Disabled isn’t a Bad Word
Happy July, Mischief Makers!
As we head into these final months before the Survivor Summit, we need ALL of you to help us spread the word. BASIC created the Summit to promote survival, resilience, creativity, and community, and every share helps us reach the people who need that support!
Make sure you register here!
In January of 2027, BASIC Studios will be launching a fundraiser in support of Global Action for Trans Equality, an organization that envisions a world free from human rights violations based on gender identity and expression. More information will be shared soon as the campaign develops.
In 2027, BASIC Studios will also be officially offering creative services to the public! These services will vary depending on Department, but we hope to offer something for everyone. More information will be shared as that develops.
Finally, BASIC Studios is always looking for creative individuals to join our collective! As we expand, we are looking for passionate writers, artists, designers, editors, and creative contributors to build our community. If you know someone who would shine in a virtual creative space, please send them to our application page.
As always, thank you for being part of our weird little community! We love every one of you.
Now, let’s bring awareness to disability!
Americans with Disabilities Act
Then and Now
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in the United States. The historic passage of this important law was the culmination of decades of activism by people with disabilities and their allies, including the March 1990 “Capitol Crawl” at the U.S. Capitol steps, when many people with disabilities gathered to protest, and many left behind their mobility devices to crawl up the eighty-three stone steps. This act of defiance by people with disabilities, their allies, and advocates helped sway public opinion and Congress to pass the law. Today, the rights guaranteed by the ADA are under attack and being slowly dismantled by the current administration. In this piece, I will discuss the current status of disability rights and which significant areas are at risk of elimination.
As written, the ADA protects people in the following areas:
- Title I: Guarantees that people with disabilities cannot be discriminated against when seeking employment.
- Title II: State and local government entities must guarantee that all their programs, services, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes educational opportunities as well as social services
- Title III: All businesses and non-profit entities open to the public must ensure access for people with disabilities.
- Title IV: Telecommunications companies must provide accessible options for people with disabilities.
- Title V: Provides protections against discrimination and ensures that people with disabilities are not penalized for asserting their rights, as well as ensuring that the ADA and other laws are compatible.
Currently, we are experiencing in the United States an erosion of disability rights, including the resurgence of ableist slurs against people with disabilities, especially as those slurs are championed by the uppermost levels of the administration without any pushback from politicians from the governing party. This is normalizing ableist language and othering people with disabilities as less than, even suggesting that they are not deserving of life. Once hate speech is parroted by those in charge, other people echo these sentiments, knowing there will be less pushback against ableism.
Along with normalizing hate speech, the current administration is rolling back essential provisions that allow people with disabilities to access benefits and maintain independence. Among these are cuts to government programs that are a lifeline for many people with disabilities. Recently, at the behest of the administration, Congress passed new work requirements for those qualifying for Medicaid. It is estimated that these changes will negatively affect many people who cannot work due to their disability, particularly those who lack the resources to complete all the required paperwork. It is estimated that these requirements will affect up to 18.5 million people in the United States and that at least 5.3 million will lose access to services due to these requirements, making them more vulnerable by becoming uninsured.
There have also been cuts to two essential programs that benefit people in need: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). It is estimated that up to 3.5 million people, 770,000 of whom are children, are no longer receiving SNAP benefits for their necessary nutrition because of federal cuts. Ironically, while the rhetoric of the Health Secretary emphasizes nutrition and access to quality food, cuts to the WIC program have also endangered the lifeline that provides essential nutrition to those in need.
Another rollback was the stoppage of the 2023 Department of Transportation rule that required airlines to be accessible for people traveling with wheelchairs. As of December 2024, the current administration decided to temporarily pause the enforcement of this rule, effectively eliminating the protections for people with disabilities traveling with mobility devices.
Recently this June of 2026, the government decided to move the Civil Rights and Special Education offices out of the already gutted Department of Education to other agencies. This move ensures that there will be diluted enforcement and oversight, leaving those requiring accommodations in limbo as to where to seek help and demand their rights be granted.
Similarly, the Department of Justice circulated a memo that directly challenges the Olmstead ruling, an important Supreme Court decision from 1999. It guaranteed that people with disabilities would not be institutionalized and demanded that state and local governments provide services in integrated community settings to allow them to thrive in their own homes. The erosion of this provision would lead to the return of institutionalization for the most vulnerable.
Finally, changes to the Social Security Administration’s staffing and their responsibilities have caused many of those seeking SSI (Social Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) benefits to experience longer wait times and new hurdles. This is also affecting current beneficiaries, as their reviews are being implemented with delays and/or their benefits are being rescinded after more stringent reviews designed to disenfranchise people receiving benefits.
These changes are eroding the benefits guaranteed by the ADA;they are negatively affecting those with disabilities. It is estimated that, in the United States, one in four people has a disability; thus, over seventy million people are in danger of losing essential benefits. Perhaps it is time to organize another “Capitol Crawl” to demand our rights and ensure that people with disabilities are not devalued and in danger of losing life-saving programs.
Understanding Social Security’s Disability Standards
by Tess
For millions of Americans living with disabling physical or mental health conditions, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide essential financial support. However, getting these benefits is rarely simple. The application process can be lengthy, highly technical, and, for many applicants, emotionally exhausting.
Understanding how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates disability claims and knowing what to expect during the application and appeals processes can significantly improve an applicant’s chances of success. This guide explains the disability standards used by Social Security, outlines the application process, and provides resources for appealing denials and obtaining legal representation when necessary.
What Is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
Although both programs provide disability benefits, they serve different populations.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn sufficient work credits. Eligibility depends on both disability status and work history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, is a needs-based program intended for individuals with limited income and financial resources. Applicants do not need an extensive work history to qualify but must meet strict income and asset limitations.
In either case, applicants must satisfy the SSA’s definition of disability.
How Social Security Defines Disability
The SSA uses a strict legal definition of disability. Unlike private insurance companies or other government agencies, Social Security does not award benefits for partial or temporary disabilities.
To qualify, an applicant generally must demonstrate that:
- They have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment.
- The impairment has lasted—or is expected to last—at least twelve consecutive months or result in death.
- The condition prevents the applicant from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), meaning they cannot earn above the SSA’s annual earnings threshold through competitive employment.
Importantly, simply having a diagnosis is not enough. The SSA evaluates how a condition limits an individual’s ability to perform work-related activities such as standing, lifting, concentrating, remembering instructions, interacting with others, or maintaining attendance.
The Five-Step Disability Evaluation Process
Every disability application follows the SSA’s sequential five-step evaluation process.
Step 1: Are You Working?
The SSA first determines whether the applicant is performing substantial gainful activity. Individuals earning above the SGA limit are generally not considered disabled, regardless of their medical condition.
Step 2: Is the Condition Severe?
The impairment must significantly limit basic work activities. Minor medical conditions that do not substantially interfere with employment generally do not qualify.
Step 3: Does the Condition Meet a Listed Impairment?
The SSA maintains a publication commonly known as the “Blue Book,” which contains medical criteria for numerous disabling conditions.
If an applicant’s medical evidence matches or equals one of these listings, benefits may be approved without further vocational analysis.
Step 4: Can You Perform Your Previous Work?
If the condition does not meet a listing, the SSA determines whether the applicant can still perform any work they have done in the past fifteen years.
Step 5: Can You Perform Other Work?
Finally, the SSA considers factors such as age, education, transferable skills, and functional limitations to determine whether other work exists in significant numbers within the national economy.
Only after completing all five steps does the SSA issue a final determination.
Preparing a Strong Disability Application
One of the most common reasons claims are denied is due to insufficient medical evidence, and not necessarily because the applicant is not disabled.
Applicants should gather:
- Complete medical records from all treating providers
- Hospital and emergency room records
- Diagnostic imaging and laboratory results
- Medication lists
- Mental health treatment records, when applicable
- Statements from physicians describing functional limitations
- Employment history for the previous fifteen years
The SSA may also schedule a consultative examination if additional medical information is needed.
Applicants should answer every question thoroughly and consistently. Inaccurate or incomplete information can delay processing or contribute to a denial.
What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting an application, the SSA verifies non-medical eligibility requirements before forwarding medical evidence to Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state agency that performs the medical evaluation.
DDS reviews medical records, contacts healthcare providers when necessary, and may request additional examinations.
Applicants can monitor the status of their claim through their online Social Security account or by contacting their local SSA office.
Processing times vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the availability of medical evidence, and overall workload.
If Your Application Is Denied
Receiving a denial can be discouraging, but it is also relatively common.
Many applicants are approved only after pursuing one or more levels of appeal.
The SSA provides four levels of appeal:
1. Reconsideration
Applicants have sixty days from receiving their denial notice to request reconsideration. A different reviewer will then evaluate the claim using both the existing evidence and any newly submitted medical documentation.
2. Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
If reconsideration is denied, applicants may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Hearings allow applicants to explain how their condition affects daily life and employment. Medical experts or vocational experts may also testify. This stage often provides the best opportunity to present additional evidence and clarify inconsistencies.
3. Appeals Council Review
If the judge denies benefits, applicants may request that the SSA Appeals Council review the decision.
The Council may:
- Uphold the decision
- Reverse the decision
- Return the case for another hearing
4. Federal Court
As a final option, applicants may file a civil action in federal district court. Because federal litigation involves complex legal procedures, representation by an attorney is strongly recommended.
Should You Hire an Attorney?
Applicants are not required to have legal representation, but many choose to hire an attorney or qualified disability representative, particularly during the appeals process.
Representatives can:
- Review medical evidence
- Obtain physician opinions
- Prepare applicants for hearings
- Question vocational or medical experts
- Ensure appeal deadlines are met
- Handle communication with the SSA
Social Security regulates attorney fees in disability cases. Most representatives work on a contingency basis, meaning they receive payment only if the applicant wins benefits. Their fee is typically deducted from the claimant’s back pay and must be approved by the SSA.
How to Find Qualified Representation
Individuals seeking legal assistance have several options.
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) maintains a directory of attorneys and qualified representatives who focus on Social Security disability law.
Applicants may also contact:
- State or local bar association lawyer referral services
- Legal Aid organizations serving low-income individuals
- Disability Rights organizations within their state
- Experienced private disability attorneys
When selecting representation, applicants should ask about the representative’s experience with Social Security disability cases, hearing preparation, communication practices, and fee agreements.
Practical Tips for Applicants
Although every disability claim is unique, several best practices can improve the application process:
- Continue receiving regular medical treatment whenever possible.
- Keep copies of every form, medical record, and SSA correspondence.
- Meet all deadlines, especially the sixty-day appeal deadline.
- Notify the SSA promptly of address or phone number changes.
- Respond quickly to requests for additional documentation.
- Be honest and consistent when describing symptoms and functional limitations.
- Document how medical conditions affect daily living rather than focusing solely on diagnoses.
Final Thoughts
Applying for SSI or SSDI can feel overwhelming, especially while managing serious health conditions. However, understanding the SSA’s disability standards, maintaining thorough medical documentation, and knowing the available appeal options can make the process more manageable.
To applicants whose claims are denied, know that a denial does not necessarily represent the end of the process. Many individuals ultimately receive benefits after submitting additional medical evidence or presenting their case during the appeals process.
Knowledge, preparation, and timely action remain the strongest tools available to individuals seeking disability benefits through Social Security.
Works Cited
- “Appeals Process.” Social Security Administration, U.S. Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-appeals-ussi.htm. Accessed 5 July 2026.
- “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security.” Social Security Administration, U.S. Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/general-info.htm. Accessed 5 July 2026.
- “Disability Benefits.” Social Security Administration, U.S. Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/. Accessed 5 July 2026.
- “How Do I Appeal a Decision on My Application for Disability Benefits?” Social Security Administration, U.S. Social Security Administration, 28 Apr. 2025, https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01855.html. Accessed 5 July 2026.
- “Supplemental Security Income (SSI).” Social Security Administration, U.S. Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/. Accessed 5 July 2026.
Disabled Creatives Who Inspire Us
by Luna
As our readers can imagine, because BASIC Studios was founded by and for neurodivergent creatives, we relish any and all opportunities to amplify and advocate for marginalized creators. Despite society’s notoriously warped view of those living with disabilities and chronic illnesses, we at BASIC Studios firmly believe in, support, and admire the artistic feats of those who are too often silenced. That’s right, Mischief Makers, in honor of Disability Pride Month, we’re sharing the triumphant tales of five disabled creatives, both contemporary and historical. In illuminating their extraordinary achievements, we strive to inspire the next generation of disabled artists. Without further ado, allow me to wax poetic about our team’s favorite disabled creatives.
Claude Monet
My admiration for Claude Monet is well known, I daresay. But do please allow me to once again remind you exactly why I hold him in such high regard. Famed French Impressionist Claude Monet is perhaps best known for his Water Lilies series. But what so many are unaware of is the vision loss he experienced in the twilight of his life. Monet created a portion of his roughly 250 paintings while his sight deteriorated due to the development of cataracts. This vision loss diminished his ability to discern colors, most notably cool-toned hues. After enduring numerous operations and an extended recovery process, Claude Monet eventually rebuilt his creative confidence and continued his craft. Though his sight would never be as it was in his youth, Monet pursued art with steadfast dedication, despite reconciling himself to his altered visual perception of his beloved subject matter, his Giverny garden. Today, Monet’s Water Lilies are among the most celebrated marvels of the Impressionist period, a movement of which he was an integral founder.
Robin Williams
Beloved actor Robin Williams, famous for his portrayals of Genie in Disney’s Aladdin (1992), the titular character in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Mork in Mork and Mindy (1978–1982), Dr. Maguire in Good Will Hunting (1997), and Peter Pan in Hook (1991), tragically died by suicide in 2014, leaving millions shocked and devastated. Williams’ battle with mental illness haunted much of his life, a fact of which many of his most devoted fans were aware. What most of his more casual fans did not know about, however, was his battle with Lewy body dementia (LBD). This neurodegenerative disease is progressive, with sufferers experiencing cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and mental health concerns. Robin Williams brought much-needed awareness to a rather common, if regretfully overshadowed, illness. Though his loss will forever affect those who delighted in his comedic mischief and gravitated toward his warm sincerity, Robin Williams’ profound impact upon both the chronic illness community and those whose hearts he touched will remain enduring.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is an iconic figure within the artistic, Latinx, and disability communities. Her struggles with poliomyelitis, acquired after she contracted polio during her childhood, inspired much of her creative work. Frida Kahlo’s lifelong struggle with complications related to her disability subtly informed many of her pieces, including The Broken Column and The Wounded Deer. In these works, Kahlo vulnerably expressed her inner turmoil and delivered a powerful statement about survival and resistance.
Lady Gaga
American singer and songwriter Lady Gaga’s struggle with chronic pain was revealed in 2016. Later, in September 2017, in her documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, her health was placed at the forefront. Shortly after the documentary premiered, Lady Gaga directly named the condition on social media. Fibromyalgia, a complex pain condition, is widely misunderstood by both clinicians and the general public. Since her disclosure, Lady Gaga has advocated for and brought awareness to those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. Even as she fights against her own pain and the dismissal of her chronic illness, Lady Gaga perseveres: she performs for rapt crowds, creates stellar albums, and brings much-needed attention to the chronic illness community through her efforts.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Almost as notable as his legacy as a virtuoso is Ludwig van Beethoven’s hearing loss. Prior to developing his disability, Beethoven was easily able to play pieces from memory, improvise as he played, and recreate any music he overheard. Despite his contemporary fame as one of history’s greatest composers, Beethoven struggled with various conditions related to his progressive hearing loss. In his late twenties, Beethoven’s diminished hearing and tinnitus became noticeable. This condition impacted his ability to compose and play music, enjoy the company of others, and comprehend spoken conversations. While on respite in Austria, Beethoven penned the Heiligenstadt Testament, an unsent letter in which he expressed his thoughts regarding his progressive hearing loss. Though his letter begins in a devastatingly despondent and sullen tone, by its close Beethoven is determined to seize his fate with tenacity and continue to create the art he so adamantly loved. Soon after, his “Heroic” period began in earnest. He eventually relied on a hearing device known as the ear trumpet, a funnel-shaped device crafted of wood, metal, snail shells, or animal horns. To further accommodate his disability, Beethoven and his friends communicated via written notebooks, many of which still survive today.
Without the painstaking contributions of disabled and chronically ill creatives, the world as we know it would be irrevocably altered. What society so readily elects to ignore is how interwoven marginalized voices’ stories are with that of humanity itself. Acknowledging—and dare I say even celebrating—the valuable, visceral contributions of disabled and chronically ill creatives serves as a reminder to us all: a disability, though…well, disabling, might also serve those most inclined toward the arts to color their creative path with the blood, sweat, tears, and tenacity so many within the disabled community innately harness to mold a better future for their disabled fellows. Your art matters: your perspective, your efforts, your hard-fought battles—all are integral pages in society’s constantly rewritten story.
Works Cited
- Cabrera, Donato. “The Whole Story of Beethoven’s Deafness.” California Symphony, www.californiasymphony.org/composer/beethoven/the-whole-story-of-beethovens-deafness.
- Checking Your Browser – reCAPTCHA. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32925866.
- Claude Monet, 1840–1926 – UK Disability History Month. 2 Sept. 2017, ukdhm.org/claude-monet-1840-1926-visually-impaired-in-later-life.
- Goulthorpe, Anya. “Disabled Impressionism: Art Through the Eyes of Frida Kahlo.” New Histories, vol. 19, Feb. 2022, newhistories.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/volumes/2021-22/volume-19/disabled-impressionism-art-through-the-eyes-of-frida-kahlo.
- Henestrosa, Circe. “Frida Kahlo’s Construction of Identity: Disability, Ethnicity, and Dress.” Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, 18 Mar. 2020, www.famsf.org/learn-engage/read-watch-listen/frida-kahlos-construction-of-identity-disability-ethnicity-and-dress.
- “HOW DISABILITIES AND ILLNESSES CREATED GREAT ART.” Rehs Galleries, Inc., 13 Nov. 2023, rehs.com/eng/2023/11/how-disabilities-and-illnesses-created-great-art.
- “Lady Gaga Shines a Spotlight on Fibromyalgia.” News, 12 Jan. 2026, www.arthritis.org/news/lady-gaga-fibromyalgia-awareness.
- Loeb, Norma, and Norma Loeb. “Robin Williams and Lewy Body Dementia: What His Story Teaches Us.” Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center – Bringing awareness and supporting with love, 22 June 2026, lewybodyresourcecenter.org/robin-williams-lewy-body-dementia.
- Markel, Howard. “How Monet’s Artistic Vision Shone Through Ailing Eyes.” PBS News, 18 Nov. 2022, www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/arts/how-monets-artistic-vision-shone-through-blurry-eyes.
- Robin Williams and the Impact of Lewy Body Dementia | Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA). lbda.org/robin-williams-and-lewy-body-dementia-2.
- “Robin Williams: Lewy Body Dementia, Suicide and Parkinson’s.” Parkinson’s Foundation, 14 July 2021, www.parkinson.org/blog/awareness/robin-williams.
- Urban, Kylie. “Lady Gaga’s Pain Goes Public: 5 Things to Know About Fibromyalgia.” Michiganmedicine.org, www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/lady-gagas-pain-goes-public-5-things-know-about-fibromyalgia. Accessed 22 Sept. 2017.
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BASIC Studios
When life goes crazy, go back to basics. BASIC Studios is a social purpose corporation based in Washington State, built to give neurodivergent individuals a safe place within the working world. We provide a platform for neurodivergent creators to collaborate, share their talents, and develop their skills in a supportive environment. Our mission is to utilize compassionate survivor-led media and mindful business practices to lower the national suicide rate. We operate through three distinct branches to accomplish this goal. Our core values and educational framework come from our flagship program, Building COURAGE, a wellness workbook for the mind, body, and soul. Our public-facing media team brings neurodivergent hyperfixations to life as Myths & Mischief, a creative collective dedicated to building an inclusive community. Finally, our collaborative merchandise shop is the Mischief Market, where we encourage our volunteers to offer their services through commissions. We do not pretend to be perfect or polished. We simply promise a space built on honesty and mutual respect where every member is valued for their story. Let’s change the world.
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