Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!
By Leah Smith
Ableism, a pervasive form of discrimination, marginalizes People with physical, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities, often perpetuating the belief that they need to be 'fixed.' Rooted in societal norms and attitudes, ableism manifests in various ways, from the language used to treat people with disabilities to their exclusion from decision-making tables. Leah Smith, a passionate advocate, sheds light on the intricacies of ableism and asks readers to examine their perceptions and actions.
Smith identifies the medical model of disability as a cornerstone of ableism, highlighting how society often equates 'difference' with 'wrongness.' By interrogating the assumption that medical history defines a person's identity, Smith confronts the bias embedded in discussions around disability and medical interventions. Additionally, she underscores how acts of perceived kindness, such as opening doors or offering assistance, can inadvertently reinforce notions of dependence and pity, further perpetuating ableism.
Moreover, Smith emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, urging nondisabled people to actively include people with disabilities in decision-making processes. Accessible meeting locations, communication formats, and transportation are essential for ensuring equitable participation. By providing a seat at the table and treating People with Disabilities with dignity and respect, society can remove the barriers of ableism and foster genuine inclusivity.
As Leah Smith's insightful reflections remind us, de-rooting ableism requires introspection and deliberate action. By questioning stereotypes, advocating for accessibility, and valuing the perspectives of People with Disabilities, we can strive towards a more equitable and inclusive society. Join the conversation and explore the full article to deepen your understanding of ableism and its impact on our communities.
We should meet in accessible locations, offer accessible communication formats and transportation, and give People with Disabilities a seat at the table when decisions are made. We should question the medical model that treats difference as something to fix, and ask before we offer assistance. Acting this way would replace pity with dignity and respect, and it would build Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities for People with Disabilities.
Ableism ends when People with Disabilities shape the decisions that affect them.
Read the full article: #Ableism
Questions for Reflection
- Where in our community are decisions about programs, events, or services made, and which People with Disabilities have a seat at that table?
- When we picture a Person with a Disability, do we start from a medical history or from the person’s own goals and knowledge?
- Which of our meeting places, communication formats, and transportation options would keep a Person with a Disability out today, and who has checked?
- When did we last offer assistance without asking first, and what did that tell the person about how we see them?
- Which stereotypes about disability show up in our words, flyers, or plans, and who could tell us when they do?
Also See:
- Ableism 101: What it is, what it looks like, and what we can do to to fix it
- Becoming Anti-Ableist: A Disability Justice- Informed Approach to Supporting the Disability Community
- What is ableism, and what is its impact?
- How to talk about disability sensitively and avoid ableist tropes
- Anti-Ableism Fast Facts - Ways to Combat Ableism:
- Why You Need to Stop Using These Words and Phrases
- Anti-Ableism Fast Facts