What is the chronic illness community, and why is there no reference to chronic illness in the framework of impairment and disability that shapes social and public policy for disabled people in the UK? Authors of Energy impairment and disability inclusion, Catherine Hale and Dr Anna Ruddock, discuss the emancipatory disability research of the Chronic Illness Inclusion Project. We argue that our invisibility as a cohort of disabled people is bound up with systemic disbelief of our experiences. Interrupting this cycle of invisibility and disbelief is key to promoting equality and human rights for people with chronic illness. Dr Ruddock also discusses her research into the impact of Covid-19 on people with chronic illness.
Catherine Hale is Director at the Chronic Illness Inclusion Project. She is also a commissioner for the Commission on Social Security led by Experts by Experience. Catherine is a disability activist and independent researcher and has lived with energy limiting chronic illness for over 30 years.
Dr Anna Ruddock is a writer, researcher, and founding member of Chronic Illness Inclusion. She has a PhD in anthropology from King's College London and her book, Special Treatment, about medical education and health inequalities in India will be published by Stanford University Press in July. Anna works part-time as a research uptake and learning advisor at Sightsavers and has lived with energy limiting chronic illness for 25 years.