Can Disability Rights Align with Conservative and Libertarian Values?

In short, YES.

Disability equity does not exist in ideological isolation. It intersects—at times strategically—with libertarian, conservative, and market-based values, especially around autonomy, anti-coercion, and professional dignity. While disability theory originates in liberals and justice-centered movements, its application intersects with a range of ideological and institutional frameworks. These intersections offer pragmatic opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration to deconstruct systemic marginalization to prevent co-optation or depoliticization of disability rights.

• Emphasizing autonomy (libertarian)

• Grounding inclusion in moral values and respect for elders (conservative)

• Demonstrating economic and design benefits (corporate).

Aging in Medicine: A Parallel Story of Disability Exclusion

Forced Exit and Cognitive Testing

• As of 2020, approximately 30% of U.S. physicians were over age 60, yet an increasing number of hospitals and medical boards have introduced mandatory cognitive screening for aging clinicians, even in the absence of performance issues. (1)

• In 2020, the American Medical Association (AMA) and other stakeholders warned that age-based screening policies may violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and lack empirical justification. (2)

Devaluation of Seniority and Experience

Aligning Disability Equity with Libertarian Philosophy

Libertarian Alignment

• Both crip theory and libertarian thought oppose involuntary treatment, institutionalization, and state paternalism.

• Movements like Supported Decision-Making (SDM) echo libertarian ideals by promoting agency over guardianship or substitute consent.

• These principles also apply to older physicians resisting mandatory retirement or involuntary screening that disregards individualized capacity.

Conservative Values

• Many conservative ethics frameworks emphasize moral obligation to care for elders, the sanctity of life, and respect for the vocational call of medicine.

• When framed through a dignity-based lens, both disabled and aging physicians can be understood as valuable stewards of tradition and community trust.

Market and Corporate Interests

• Disability-inclusive practices are not only ethically imperative—they also yield operational and economic benefits.

  • Example: Organizations practicing inclusive hiring and accommodation see 28% higher revenue, 30% higher profit margins, and 2x net income, according to a 2018 Accenture report. (3)

• In medical education and care delivery, universal design and accessibility improve outcomes for all—an embodiment of the “curb-cut effect.”

References:

1. AMA Council on Medical Education. “Competency and the Aging Physician.” 2015.

2. American College of Surgeons. "Guidelines for the Aging Surgeon." 2020.

3. Accenture. "Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage." 2018.