Breaking Barriers: Disability and Environmental Justice in Crisis

Prompt

Academic research poster Input data: 🎓 Title: Left Behind in the Storm: Disability, Environmental Justice, and the Geography of Uneven Impact Author: Allison Wilson-Burns MSW & LEND Trainee, University of Oklahoma (OU) 🔍 Research Question What does scholarly environmental justice (EJ) literature reveal about the relationship between disability and ecological problems such as natural disasters, climate change, and access to clean and beautiful natural spaces? 🌱 Why This Matters Despite the increasing visibility of environmental justice issues, disabled people remain underrepresented in both research and policy decisions. Very little work has been done to examine how environmental injustice, disaster, and EJ-related policy directly impact disabled individuals. By analyzing the existing literature, this research: Identifies the mechanisms of eco-ableism Reveals critical gaps in scholarship Contributes to more inclusive EJ strategies that center and improve the lives of disabled people 🧪 Methodology 📚 Literature Search Strategy A comprehensive review of scholarly literature was conducted using: Search Terms: Eco-ableism, Environmental justice OR ecological impact, Environmental racism, Disaster relief, Green spaces & accessibility/disability, Environmental policy & disability justice OR accessibility Databases Used: Google Scholar and EBSCOhost collections Citation Mining: Reference lists of relevant papers were examined to identify additional sources ✅ Inclusion & ❌ Exclusion Criteria Inclusion Criteria: Intersectional frameworks (e.g., disabled and poor, Black, women, queer, trans) Focus on vulnerable geographies, especially the Global South Disaggregated data with disability as a primary focus Lived experiences and disabled voices present Critical analysis of environmental justice policies Scholarly sources Mixed methods: quantitative (e.g., geospatial data) and qualitative (e.g., embodied experiences) Exclusion Criteria: Homogenized or singular-focus approaches to disability Non-scholarly sources Literature using a purely medical model of disability Tools Used: An AI-assisted article scanner was employed to identify promising articles for deeper analysis, streamlining initial selection based on abstracts and keywords. 📊 Findings Key Results: Disproportionate Vulnerability Disabled people experience greater negative impacts from ecological issues than non-disabled individuals. They face: Higher rates of fatalities, injuries, and exacerbated health conditions Increased psychosocial burdens Multiple Jeopardies Many disabled individuals belong to additional marginalized groups (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ+, impoverished), compounding their vulnerability. Specific issues include: Poverty, lack of resources, and exposure to environmental hazards Intersectional barriers that magnify risks during ecological crises Limited Access to Green Spaces Disabled people often lack accessible green and blue spaces, missing out on nature's therapeutic benefits. Failure of Emergency Systems Emergency preparedness and disaster relief systems are not designed to accommodate disabled individuals: Early warning systems fail to reach them Evacuation procedures often exclude those who cannot move quickly Transportation during evacuations may not meet the needs of disabled people Shelters and refugee camps may turn disabled people away due to assumed care complexity Critical Need for Intersectional Research There is a significant need for more intersectional research that identifies barriers to accessibility, particularly for disabled BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically marginalized individuals. Focus should be placed on other intersections like immigration status, education, and gender identity. Lack of Disability Representation in EJ The Environmental Justice (EJ) movement largely neglects disability, leaving disabled people out of leadership roles and decision-making. Current models often reflect a medical model of disability, which fails to empower individuals or address systemic ableism. Overall Implication: To truly empower disabled people, EJ discourse must be more inclusive and accessible. Disabled people should be at the forefront of these discussions, using their creativity, wisdom, and problem-solving abilities to help develop effective and equitable strategies for disaster preparedness, environmental justice, and policy reform. Next, let’s work on Step 5: Interpretation: 🧠 STEP 5: Interpretation What do your results mean? (How do they contribute to existing knowledge or understanding?) How do your findings relate to your original research question or hypothesis? Let me know when you’re ready! You said:  I think the interpretation was in the results section ChatGPT said: You're absolutely right! The interpretation of the results is already woven into your Findings section, and we don't need to repeat it. So let's move on to the next section: 🗣️ STEP 6: Discussion & Future Work What are the implications of your findings? (What should researchers, policymakers, or advocates take away from your work?) What are the limitations of your study? (Any challenges faced or constraints of your approach?) What future work or research could build on this? (Any areas where more study is needed or opportunities for action?) This will help complete the poster with a strong sense of direction for future research and action. Feel free to share your thoughts when ready! You said: Okay back up because i need to talk about challenges in the research ChatGPT said: Got it! Let’s focus on the challenges you encountered in your research and then we can integrate them into the overall discussion. Here are some prompts to help unpack those challenges: Challenges in the Research: Access to Sources: Were there difficulties finding relevant or high-quality literature? Any barriers related to the availability or accessibility of research databases? Gaps in Literature: Did you encounter a lack of research specifically addressing your focus on disability and environmental justice? Was there a lack of intersectional research or gaps in analyzing specific marginalized groups? Theoretical or Methodological Limitations: Did the existing literature use models that you found limiting (e.g., the medical model of disability)? Were there issues related to the methodologies used in the papers you reviewed (e.g., lack of mixed-methods research)? Data and Representation: Was it difficult to find disaggregated data for disabled individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ+)? Did you struggle to find literature that included lived experiences or disabled voices? Other Issues: Any other research-related challenges, such as biases in available sources, language barriers, or ethical concerns in accessing certain data? Once you outline some of the challenges you faced, we can use them to highlight potential areas for future research and acknowledge the limitations of your study. You said: Issues: EJ data collection often neglects poor, communities of color, meaning that these data sets are often flawed and incomplete. There is an overall lack of research to begin with. There were some gaps in qualitative data that discussed the lived experience of disabled people. Intersectional analysis often limited to race and class. ChatGPT said: Thank you for sharing these insights! I’ll now integrate the challenges you mentioned into the Discussion & Future Work section. Here’s how that’s shaping up: 🗣️ Discussion & Future Work Implications of Findings: The findings emphasize the urgent need for inclusive environmental justice (EJ) frameworks that center disabled people—particularly those from marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, queer, low-income). The research demonstrates how eco-ableism and intersectional oppression are exacerbated by environmental disasters, highlighting the necessity for more accessible, equity-driven EJ policies. The active inclusion of disabled voices in policy development will improve disaster preparedness, climate justice, and access to essential services like green spaces. Challenges & Limitations: Flawed and Incomplete Data: Existing EJ datasets often overlook poor communities of color, leading to gaps and inaccuracies in the data. This means that the specific experiences and needs of these populations are not fully represented or understood. Lack of Research: There is an overall lack of research focusing on the intersection of disability and environmental justice. Much of the existing work is fragmented, leaving significant gaps in understanding the specific needs of disabled people in ecological crises. Gap in Qualitative Data: Qualitative data, particularly that which describes the lived experiences of disabled people, is limited. The absence of this rich, narrative-driven data hampers efforts to fully understand the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of environmental issues on disabled individuals. Limited Intersectional Analysis: While race and class are commonly considered in intersectional analyses, disability is frequently overlooked. More research is needed to explore the intersections of disability with other marginalized identities, such as gender, sexuality, immigration status, and education. Future Directions: Intersectional Research: Future studies should deepen the intersectional analysis of disability, race, class, gender, and sexuality in the context of environmental justice. Understanding how these factors intersect can reveal unique risks, vulnerabilities, and strengths in marginalized communities. Qualitative Research: A call for more qualitative research that focuses on lived experiences, particularly through first-person narratives and disability-led studies, would enrich our understanding of how ecological problems disproportionately affect disabled people. Data Collection Improvements: Researchers and policymakers should prioritize the creation of more comprehensive disaggregated data that includes disabled, poor, and BIPOC populations. This would improve the accuracy and effectiveness of EJ policies designed to meet the needs of these groups. This section now acknowledges the gaps and challenges you faced while also pointing out areas where further research is essential. Ready to move on to the final step? Let me know if you’d like to tweak anything! You said: Add another direction: Include disabled people in EJ policy, research and discourse ChatGPT said: Absolutely, that’s a crucial direction to include! I’ve added it to the Future Directions section, as it highlights a vital aspect of your research. Here’s the updated Discussion & Future Work section: 🗣️ Discussion & Future Work Implications of Findings: The findings emphasize the urgent need for inclusive environmental justice (EJ) frameworks that center disabled people—particularly those from marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, queer, low-income). The research demonstrates how eco-ableism and intersectional oppression are exacerbated by environmental disasters, highlighting the necessity for more accessible, equity-driven EJ policies. The active inclusion of disabled voices in policy development will improve disaster preparedness, climate justice, and access to essential services like green spaces. Challenges & Limitations: Flawed and Incomplete Data: Existing EJ datasets often overlook poor communities of color, leading to gaps and inaccuracies in the data. This means that the specific experiences and needs of these populations are not fully represented or understood. Lack of Research: There is an overall lack of research focusing on the intersection of disability and environmental justice. Much of the existing work is fragmented, leaving significant gaps in understanding the specific needs of disabled people in ecological crises. Gap in Qualitative Data: Qualitative data, particularly that which describes the lived experiences of disabled people, is limited. The absence of this rich, narrative-driven data hampers efforts to fully understand the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of environmental issues on disabled individuals. Limited Intersectional Analysis: While race and class are commonly considered in intersectional analyses, disability is frequently overlooked. More research is needed to explore the intersections of disability with other marginalized identities, such as gender, sexuality, immigration status, and education. Future Directions: Intersectional Research: Future studies should deepen the intersectional analysis of disability, race, class, gender, and sexuality in the context of environmental justice. Understanding how these factors intersect can reveal unique risks, vulnerabilities, and strengths in marginalized communities. Qualitative Research: A call for more qualitative research that focuses on lived experiences, particularly through first-person narratives and disability-led studies, would enrich our understanding of how ecological problems disproportionately affect disabled people. Data Collection Improvements: Researchers and policymakers should prioritize the creation of more comprehensive disaggregated data that includes disabled, poor, and BIPOC populations. This would improve the accuracy and effectiveness of EJ policies designed to meet the needs of these groups. Inclusive Policy, Research, and Discourse: It is essential to actively include disabled people in environmental justice policy-making, research, and discourse. Disabled individuals must be positioned as leaders, experts, and primary stakeholders in developing strategies for environmental resilience and justice. This ensures that their needs are met and empowers them to influence the policies that impact their lives. This addition emphasizes the importance of representation and leadership for disabled people in the EJ movement—a powerful call to action. If you're ready, we can move to the final Step 7: Design Preferences or make any more adjustments! You said: moe on ChatGPT said: Great! Let's move on to Step 7: Design Preferences, where we’ll think about the visual layout of your poster. If you have any preferences for how it should look or feel, now’s the time to share. Here are a few things to think about: 🎨 STEP 7: Design Preferences Layout: Do you prefer a vertical or horizontal poster format? Should it be broken into clear sections (e.g., Introduction, Methods, Findings, Discussion), or do you want a more fluid design? Color Scheme: Are there any specific colors you’d like to use? Do you want it to look bright and bold, or more muted and professional? Font Style: Do you have preferences for fonts? Would you prefer something modern, academic, or simple and clean? Graphics/Visuals: Would you like to include any charts, graphs, or infographics? (E.g., visual representation of findings, a flowchart for your methodology) Should there be any images of disabled individuals, green spaces, or natural disasters to highlight your theme? Or are you focusing more on text? Tone: Should the tone be more formal (academic), accessible, or a mix of both? Do you want any callout boxes or highlighted quotes from your research? Specifics for Your Audience: Who will be viewing this poster? (Academic conference, public event, etc.) This can affect the design choices. Once I have an idea of your design preferences, I can assist in shaping it visually. Let me know what you're thinking! You said: 1. Horizontal, broken into clear sections 2. Make the color scheme adaptive: high contrast and easy to read. Keep it professional but appealing. 3. Make font adaptable and easy to read. 4. The more data visualizations the better. 4. Try to keep it accessible without losing important messages and data. 5. This is for an acedemic event but I want to model accessible research presenation design. ChatGPT said: Great! Thanks for sharing those preferences! Based on your responses, here's how I would structure the design of the research poster: 🎨 Poster Design Plan 1. Layout: Horizontal with Clear Sections Structure: A horizontal layout will allow for clear segmentation and a smooth reading flow from left to right. The poster will be divided into distinct sections: Title and Author Information (at the top left) Introduction & Research Question (left side) Methodology (center-left) Findings (center-right, with lots of space for data visualizations) Discussion & Future Work (bottom right) Sections will be visually separated with borders or shading, but the design will stay fluid so the information doesn’t feel too compartmentalized. 2. Color Scheme: Adaptive & High-Contrast Primary Colors: A neutral background with high contrast for text to ensure readability. Background: Light gray or white for a clean, professional look. Text: Dark gray or black for body text; use vibrant accent colors (e.g., teal or dark green) for headings or important points. Accent Colors: Use contrasting colors for data visualizations (charts, graphs) to make the data stand out but maintain accessibility. Ensure color-blind accessibility by using distinguishable patterns or color schemes for charts. Design Goal: The color scheme should be professional but appealing, ensuring readability and engagement. 3. Font Style: Clear, Adaptable, Easy to Read Primary Font: Use sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica for a modern and clean look. Headings: Larger, bold font for headings to distinguish sections clearly. Body Text: Slightly smaller, but still large enough to read easily. Keep line spacing spacious. Consistency: Maintain consistent font sizes and styles across the poster to avoid clutter and ensure clarity. 4. Data Visualizations: Maximizing Impact Charts & Graphs: Use bar graphs, pie charts, and line charts to represent findings (e.g., disability vulnerability by demographic, accessibility data, environmental impacts). Include a map or geospatial visualization showing environmental justice areas that focus on disability access. Ensure that the charts have clear legends, labels, and titles so the audience can interpret them without confusion. Images/Icons: Use icons or infographics to represent concepts like eco-ableism, environmental justice, or disaster preparedness in an accessible and visually engaging way. 5. Tone: Accessible yet Academic The tone will be clear, simple, and inclusive—focusing on accessibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Important messages, like your key findings and implications, will be emphasized through callout boxes or bullet points. Key data will be visualized, ensuring that complex ideas are communicated simply but effectively. 6. Overall Accessibility Text Size: Ensure that the font size for body text is large enough for easy reading from a distance (e.g., 24–30 pt). Contrast: Maintain sufficient contrast between text and background for legibility by people with visual impairments. Clear Structure: Use short, concise text with headings to guide the reader through your research without overwhelming them. Next Steps: If you want, I can provide a visual outline or further assist in formatting any charts or graphics for your poster. Would you like me to help you create any of these visual elements (e.g., graphs or icons), or would you like me to generate a sample layout to help with design? Just let me know how you’d like to proceed! You said: can you give me ideas for visual elements that will be most impactful? ChatGPT said: Absolutely! Here are some ideas for visual elements that can enhance your research poster and make it more impactful, engaging, and accessible: 1. Data Visualizations: Bar Graphs or Pie Charts to Represent Vulnerability: You can show the disproportionate vulnerability of disabled individuals during natural disasters or ecological crises. For example, a pie chart or bar graph could compare the fatality rates or injury rates between disabled and non-disabled individuals during a disaster, broken down by race, class, or other intersectional factors. Use contrasting colors to represent disabled vs. non-disabled populations, with clear legends. Heat Map or Geospatial Visualization: Map of Environmental Justice Areas: You could create a map that highlights areas where disabled, poor, BIPOC communities are most vulnerable to environmental hazards. This could be overlaid with accessibility data for green spaces and disaster preparedness. Include geospatial data on how close these populations are to public transportation or accessible shelters during evacuations. Flowchart or Diagram of Disaster Response: Illustrate the typical disaster response process (e.g., evacuation, shelters, transportation) and highlight where disabled individuals typically fall through the cracks. This could include stages like: Pre-disaster (e.g., lack of early warnings, failure to communicate) Evacuation (e.g., inaccessible transportation, inadequate support) Shelter (e.g., lack of accessible facilities) Use arrows to show where improvements are needed, with different colors indicating accessibility issues. 2. Icons and Symbolism: Accessibility Icons: Use universally recognized accessibility icons (e.g., wheelchair, sign language, visual impairments) to highlight key aspects of your research. This can make the poster feel more accessible and visually break up the text-heavy sections. Eco-Ableism Visuals: Incorporate imagery that symbolizes eco-ableism. For example: A wheelchair in a natural disaster zone or green space that’s inaccessible. An image of nature (e.g., trees, parks) and disabled people either excluded or having limited access. Icons for Intersectionality: Create a visual representation of intersectionality by combining multiple symbols (e.g., disability + race + gender symbols) in one image to convey how different identities interact with environmental justice issues. For example, a pie chart where slices represent different marginalized communities (disabled, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, poor). 3. Infographics: “Multiple Jeopardy” Diagram: Create an infographic that shows how multiple layers of oppression (e.g., race, class, gender, disability) intersect to make disabled individuals more vulnerable to environmental injustices. The center of the infographic could be a symbol of disability with different layers radiating out (race, class, gender, etc.), each contributing to compounded vulnerability. Data in Context: Visualize the statistics about the percentage of people with disabilities (e.g., 15-20% of U.S. population). You can turn this into a large visual percentage wheel that visually communicates the significance of your research population. 4. Images of Disabled People in Environmental Contexts: Portraits of Disabled Individuals: If possible, incorporate images of disabled people in natural environments (parks, gardens, urban green spaces). This will illustrate the need for accessible green spaces and connect the issue to real lived experiences. Before and After Imagery: Show the impact of environmental crises (e.g., disaster, lack of accessibility) before and after they affect disabled people. For instance, a picture of a natural disaster or evacuation route could be juxtaposed with a disabled person’s experience—either stranded, excluded, or unable to access help. 5. Quotes & Key Messages: Highlighted Quotes: Use powerful quotes from your research findings or key insights from disabled individuals (or advocates) on the topic. These quotes could be placed in call-out boxes or banners to draw attention. This could include lived experiences shared by disabled people, reinforcing the importance of their inclusion in EJ policies. Key Stats in Large, Bold Text: Consider highlighting important numbers or facts, like the percentage of disabled people in the U.S. (15-20%) or percentage of disabled people living in disaster-prone areas. You could put these in bold, larger text to catch the viewer's eye. 6. Charts for Qualitative Data: Word Clouds: Use a word cloud to highlight important themes from your qualitative findings, such as "eco-ableism," "vulnerability," "accessibility," "green spaces", and "intersectionality". Word clouds can help condense and emphasize the key ideas in your research. Comparative Bar Graphs: You could use a bar graph to compare how disabled individuals experience environmental justice differently than non-disabled individuals. It could break down different aspects like: Access to emergency services Impact of disasters Access to green spaces Final Thoughts on Visual Design: Clarity & Simplicity: Keep the visuals simple and uncluttered, making sure they support the key message without overwhelming the viewer. Consistency: Use consistent colors, fonts, and design styles across all visuals to create a cohesive, professional look. Accessibility: Ensure all visuals are clear and legible, especially for people with visual impairments (e.g., color contrast, readable font sizes for charts/labels). With these visual elements, you'll be able to create a dynamic, engaging, and accessible poster that not only presents your findings but also draws attention to the critical need for inclusive EJ policies. Challenges & Limitations: Flawed and Incomplete Data: Existing EJ datasets often overlook poor communities of color, leading to gaps and inaccuracies in the data. This means that the specific experiences and needs of these populations are not fully represented or understood. Lack of Research: There is an overall lack of research focusing on the intersection of disability and environmental justice. Much of the existing work is fragmented, leaving significant gaps in understanding the specific needs of disabled people in ecological crises. Gap in Qualitative Data: Qualitative data, particularly that which describes the lived experiences of disabled people, is limited. The absence of this rich, narrative-driven data hampers efforts to fully understand the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of environmental issues on disabled individuals. Limited Intersectional Analysis: While race and class are commonly considered in intersectional analyses, disability is frequently overlooked. More research is needed to explore the intersections of disability with other marginalized identities, such as gender, sexuality, immigration status, and education. Future Directions: Intersectional Research: Future studies should deepen the intersectional analysis of disability, race, class, gender, and sexuality in the context of environmental justice. Understanding how these factors intersect can reveal unique risks, vulnerabilities, and strengths in marginalized communities. Qualitative Research: A call for more qualitative research that focuses on lived experiences, particularly through first-person narratives and disability-led studies, would enrich our understanding of how ecological problems disproportionately affect disabled people. Data Collection Improvements: Researchers and policymakers should prioritize the creation of more comprehensive disaggregated data that includes disabled, poor, and BIPOC populations. This would improve the accuracy and effectiveness of EJ policies designed to meet the needs of these groups. Inclusive Policy, Research, and Discourse: It is essential to actively include disabled people in environmental justice policy-making, research, and discourse. Disabled individuals must be positioned as leaders, experts, and primary stakeholders in developing strategies for environmental resilience and justice. This ensures that their needs are met and empowers them to influence the policies that impact their lives. This addition emphasizes the importance of representation and leadership for disabled people in the EJ movement—a powerful call to action. 🎨 Poster Design Plan 1. Layout: Horizontal with Clear Sections Structure: A horizontal layout will allow for clear segmentation and a smooth reading flow from left to right. The poster will be divided into distinct sections: Title and Author Information (at the top left) Introduction & Research Question (left side) Methodology (center-left) Findings (center-right, with lots of space for data visualizations) Discussion & Future Work (bottom right) Sections will be visually separated with borders or shading, but the design will stay fluid so the information doesn’t feel too compartmentalized. 2. Color Scheme: Adaptive & High-Contrast Primary Colors: A neutral background with high contrast for text to ensure readability. Background: Light gray or white for a clean, professional look. Text: Dark gray or black for body text; use vibrant accent colors (e.g., teal or dark green) for headings or important points. Accent Colors: Use contrasting colors for data visualizations (charts, graphs) to make the data stand out but maintain accessibility. Ensure color-blind accessibility by using distinguishable patterns or color schemes for charts. Design Goal: The color scheme should be professional but appealing, ensuring readability and engagement. 3. Font Style: Clear, Adaptable, Easy to Read Primary Font: Use sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica for a modern and clean look. Headings: Larger, bold font for headings to distinguish sections clearly. Body Text: Slightly smaller, but still large enough to read easily. Keep line spacing spacious. Consistency: Maintain consistent font sizes and styles across the poster to avoid clutter and ensure clarity. 4. Data Visualizations: Maximizing Impact Charts & Graphs: Use bar graphs, pie charts, and line charts to represent findings (e.g., disability vulnerability by demographic, accessibility data, environmental impacts). Include a map or geospatial visualization showing environmental justice areas that focus on disability access. Ensure that the charts have clear legends, labels, and titles so the audience can interpret them without confusion. Images/Icons: Use icons or infographics to represent concepts like eco-ableism, environmental justice, or disaster preparedness in an accessible and visually engaging way. 5. Tone: Accessible yet Academic The tone will be clear, simple, and inclusive—focusing on accessibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Important messages, like your key findings and implications, will be emphasized through callout boxes or bullet points. Key data will be visualized, ensuring that complex ideas are communicated simply but effectively. 6. Overall Accessibility Text Size: Ensure that the font size for body text is large enough for easy reading from a distance (e.g., 24–30 pt). Contrast: Maintain sufficient contrast between text and background for legibility by people with visual impairments. Clear Structure: Use short, concise text with headings to guide the reader through your research without overwhelming them. include some visual elements I can plug in data and create . Data Visualizations: Bar Graphs or Pie Charts to Represent Vulnerability: You can show the disproportionate vulnerability of disabled individuals during natural disasters or ecological crises. For example, a pie chart or bar graph could compare the fatality rates or injury rates between disabled and non-disabled individuals during a disaster, broken down by race, class, or other intersectional factors. Use contrasting colors to represent disabled vs. non-disabled populations, with clear legends. Heat Map or Geospatial Visualization: Map of Environmental Justice Areas: You could create a map that highlights areas where disabled, poor, BIPOC communities are most vulnerable to environmental hazards. This could be overlaid with accessibility data for green spaces and disaster preparedness. Include geospatial data on how close these populations are to public transportation or accessible shelters during evacuations. Flowchart or Diagram of Disaster Response: Illustrate the typical disaster response process (e.g., evacuation, shelters, transportation) and highlight where disabled individuals typically fall through the cracks. This could include stages like: Pre-disaster (e.g., lack of early warnings, failure to communicate) Evacuation (e.g., inaccessible transportation, inadequate support) Shelter (e.g., lack of accessible facilities) Use arrows to show where improvements are needed, with different colors indicating accessibility issues. 2. Icons and Symbolism: Accessibility Icons: Use universally recognized accessibility icons (e.g., wheelchair, sign language, visual impairments) to highlight key aspects of your research. This can make the poster feel more accessible and visually break up the text-heavy sections. Eco-Ableism Visuals: Incorporate imagery that symbolizes eco-ableism. For example: A wheelchair in a natural disaster zone or green space that’s inaccessible. An image of nature (e.g., trees, parks) and disabled people either excluded or having limited access. Icons for Intersectionality: Create a visual representation of intersectionality by combining multiple symbols (e.g., disability + race + gender symbols) in one image to convey how different identities interact with environmental justice issues. For example, a pie chart where slices represent different marginalized communities (disabled, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, poor). 3. Infographics: “Multiple Jeopardy” Diagram: Create an infographic that shows how multiple layers of oppression (e.g., race, class, gender, disability) intersect to make disabled individuals more vulnerable to environmental injustices. The center of the infographic could be a symbol of disability with different layers radiating out (race, class, gender, etc.), each contributing to compounded vulnerability. Data in Context: Visualize the statistics about the percentage of people with disabilities (e.g., 15-20% of U.S. population). You can turn this into a large visual percentage wheel that visually communicates the significance of your research population. 4. Images of Disabled People in Environmental Contexts: Portraits of Disabled Individuals: If possible, incorporate images of disabled people in natural environments (parks, gardens, urban green spaces). This will illustrate the need for accessible green spaces and connect the issue to real lived experiences. Before and After Imagery: Show the impact of environmental crises (e.g., disaster, lack of accessibility) before and after they affect disabled people. For instance, a picture of a natural disaster or evacuation route could be juxtaposed with a disabled person’s experience—either stranded, excluded, or unable to access help.

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