In a recent interview with The Sick Times, Natasha Abner discussed how friendships have evolved five years into the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of maintaining connections in an ableist society.
She points out that many people are unaware of how deeply ingrained ableism is in everyday interactions, stating “society’s really designed so we don’t know anything about disability,” which makes ableist attitudes and behaviors the default.
Abner encourages people to be intentional about fostering connections with disabled individuals, emphasizing that doing so is not only a way to form meaningful friendships but also a step toward broader social change. As she puts it: “Link yourself up with disabled people,” to expand perspectives, gain new experiences, and contribute to collective justice that benefits all.
The article, "The Pandemic of Abandonment: Navigating Friendships Five Years into COVID-19," explores how relationships have fractured, adapted, or deepened amid prolonged uncertainty. Abner’s insights contribute to a critical conversation about social resilience, accessibility, and the often-overlooked realities of disabled communities in a post-pandemic world.
