Ableism is everywhere.
6 October 2023 Ableism is everywhere. Chronically The Patient Empowerment Newsletter Ableism refers to systemic discrimination and prejudice in f
6 October 2023 Ableism is everywhere. Chronically The Patient Empowerment Newsletter
Ableism refers to systemic discrimination and prejudice in favor of able-bodied people. It is based on the harmful belief that people with disabilities are inferior or defective. Ableism manifests in various ways that limit and disadvantage the disability community.
As someone living with multiple invisible chronic illnesses and disabilities, I face ableism regularly through assumptions, stigma, lack of accommodations, and more. However, because my disabilities are not outwardly visible, I am extremely vulnerable to the impacts of ableism in my daily life.
Forms of Ableism
Ableism appears in many forms, including:
Prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities. Treating them as less capable, valuable, or worthy than able-bodied people. 👎🏽
Social attitudes, structures, and practices that disadvantage people with disabilities. For example, inaccessible buildings and lack of accommodations. 🏛️
Assuming able-bodied experience is ideal or normal. Failing to recognize challenges faced by disabled people. 🤔
Use of ableist language, slurs, or stereotypes related to disability. Portraying disabilities in a negative way. 🚫
Lack of representation or inclusion of disability experiences. Marginalization of disabled people. 🗣️
Systems and policies that do not meet the access needs of people with disabilities or exclude disabilities. 🛑
Belief that disabilities need to be 'overcome' or cured rather than accepted and accommodated. 🙅🏽♂️
Impacts of Ableism
For me, ableism causes others to frequently judge me unfairly and make incorrect assumptions about my behaviors, skills, and needs. When my disabilities result in processing delays or confusion, people presume I'm unintelligent rather than recognizing my disability. I've been accused of exaggerating or faking my largely invisible symptoms.
People also often fail to provide me with reasonable accommodations that would
Want this conversation in your organization?
Keynotes, workshops, and facilitation that create the conditions for honest work.