View Topic - Ableism

By Leah Smith

Ableism, a pervasive form of discrimination, marginalizes individuals 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, challenging 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 helplessness and pity, further perpetuating ableism.

Moreover, Smith emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, urging nondisabled individuals 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 disabled individuals with dignity and respect, society can dismantle ableism and foster genuine inclusivity.

by Unbound Team

In religious communities, there is a pressing need to address barriers that contribute to ableism. These barriers perpetuate exclusion and marginalization, preventing the full participation of People with Disabilities. Unbound Team's insightful article delves into "8 Ways Ableism Shows Up in Religious Spaces," shedding light on systemic discrimination within these environments. From inaccessible physical structures to ableist language and tokenism, the article unveils the various problems that perpetuate exclusion and discrimination against People with Disabilities.

One of the key issues highlighted is the lack of accessibility in religious buildings, where structures and amenities for People with Disabilities are often relegated to inconspicuous locations. Moreover, the article explores how ableist language and theological rhetoric perpetuate exclusive spaces within religious contexts, preventing the full participation of People with Disabilities. Through thought-provoking insights, the article prompts readers to reconsider existing norms and embrace more inclusive practices.

Beyond mere acknowledgment, the article calls for concrete action to address the root causes of ableism in religious communities. By challenging tokenism, reimagining concepts of healing, and prioritizing empowerment over charity, churches can foster environments that honor the dignity and agency of People with Disabilities. Through engaging narratives and reflective questions, the article serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and transformative change in religious spaces. 

As buzzwords like social justice, equity, and inclusion permeate our collective consciousness, it’s essential for advocates of progress to remember another ‘ism,’ one that is frequently left out of conversations. 

Ableism. 

The world wasn’t built with people with disabilities in mind, and because of that, the world we live in is inherently “ableist.” 

So…what is ableism?

Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require ‘fixing’ and defines people by their disability. Like racism and sexism, ableism classifies entire groups of people as ‘less than,’ and includes harmful stereotypes, misconceptions, and generalizations of people with disabilities.

https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/blog/ableism-101/

In a community where diversity should be celebrated, it's crucial to correct the pervasive problem of ableism. Did you know that according to the 2012 U.S. Census, 1 in 5 Americans has a disability? This staggering statistic highlights the importance of understanding and combatting ableism, a set of beliefs and practices that devalue and discriminate against individuals with disabilities.

Anti-Ableism isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital set of strategies, theories, and actions aimed at correcting and countering ableism. It encompasses a wide range of efforts to remove barriers, inequalities, prejudices, and discrimination based on both apparent and non-apparent disabilities. But how can we actively combat ableism in our daily lives?

Produced by The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute Community and Professional Development Training Program

The guide titled "Becoming Anti-Ableist: A Disability Justice-Informed Approach to Supporting the Disability Community" offers a transformative pathway towards building inclusive communities and dismantling systemic barriers faced by People with Disabilities. Developed by the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute, this resource provides comprehensive insights and actionable strategies for professionals and community members.

At its core, the guide emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices across all levels of society – individual, community, and societal. It explores the pervasive issue of ableism and its detrimental impact on the lives of People with Disabilities, ranging from stigma to systemic discrimination. By adopting an anti-ableist lens, the guide advocates for a paradigm shift that recognizes disability as a form of diversity and empowers People with Disabilities as experts on their own experiences.

Through the "Six P's to Inclusive Practice" framework, faith communities are encouraged to foster welcoming and inclusive environments for People with Disabilities and their families. This holistic approach addresses key areas such as person, practice, place, programs, philosophy, and policy, highlighting the interconnectedness of micro, meso, and macro-level factors in fostering inclusivity.

Disability can be difficult to talk about sensitively because of how embedded ableism is in our language, biases and perceptions of disability.

Conversations about disability are slowly increasing, especially when it comes to ableist language and how disabled people are represented in the media.

Disability advocate Talila A. Lewis' working definition of ableism is a "system that places value on people's bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, intelligence and excellence."

NPR spoke to Cara Reedy, the director and founder of the Disabled Journalists Association, and Rosemary McDonnell-Horita of LaVant Consulting, a disability-focused communications firm, about common ableist tropes, the importance of avoiding them and how to talk sensitively about disability.

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/08/1115682836/how-to-talk-about-disability-sensitively-and-avoid-ableist-tropes