An Attack on Disability Rights: The Lawsuit Against Section 504 Artwork

The Sick Gaze

Welcome to the Sick Gaze podcast, a series where we dive deep into the complexities of life with chronic illness, attempt to break down gendered barriers within healthcare, and advocate for disability justice. Drawing inspiration from Laura Mulvey’s concept of the male-gaze, The Sick Gaze challenges the existing narrative norms by offering a platform for diverse lived experiences. In a world where stories are often filtered through able-bodied perspectives, our podcast strives to bring visibility to invisible conditions. Join us as we navigate the complexities of life with chronic illness, fostering empathy, understanding, and ultimately, creating a community that embraces and validates the stories that have long remained in the shadows.

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The Sick Gaze

An Attack on Disability Rights: The Lawsuit Against Section 504

February 28, 2025 • Molly Dickerson • Season 3 • Episode 2

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In this episode of The Sick Gaze, Tayler Goectau and I, Molly Dickerson, break down the alarming lawsuit filed by 17 states against Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—a crucial civil rights protection for disabled people. We discuss why 504 matters, how it impacts everyone (not just disabled folks), and the motivations behind this legal attack. More importantly, we explore the dangerous implications if this lawsuit succeeds and what we can do to fight back through collective action.

📢 Get informed and take action:
📝 Read more about the lawsuit and its consequences:

Distaaybled on Substack (you can find a script to call/email your legislators here as well)
AAFA: Lawsuit’s Impact on Asthma & Food Allergies
Texas Attorney General’s Complaint
DREDF’s Call to Protect 504

✊ Contact your representatives and demand they protect 504:
🔗 Find Your Representative

Now is the time to act—our rights depend on it.

Take care of your spoons!
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at dickersonmm@g.cofc.edu and follow @thesickgazepod on instagram!