Ableism is a term rarely circulated in today’s society despite much of the population partaking in the practice. As someone with a physical disability, I can attest to the fact that many people do not know ableism exists. As defined by the Merriam-Webster, ableism is the “discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities.”
Acts of ableism are not always obvious or on a large scale. Ableism can be something as small as using the wheelchair accessible bathroom stall without justification or something as colossal as the mass murder of disabled civilians during the reign of Nazi Germany.
As most acts are small, they are often executed unintentionally. Unknowingly, ableist actions such as asking invasive questions about one’s disability, requesting to “try out” someone’s mobility aid or assuming someone cannot do certain things based on their appearance can make someone with a disability feel disparaged. Even corporate companies are guilty of ableism in some fashion, often failing to create accessible spaces.
The practice of ableism can cause a feeling of isolation for a person with different abilities. Personally, ableism makes me feel incompetent and incapable of day to day activities. Knowing examples of ableism is a fantastic way to avoid it.
Now, having heard some of the most common ways people take part in ableism, how can individuals ensure that they are not inadvertently partaking in the practice?
There are many ways to avoid being ableist. For instance, do not assume you know someone else’s needs. If they need assistance or accommodations, they will let you know.
Another way to avoid ableism is to incorporate accessibility into any plans. This helps ensure that people with different needs are not left out. Additionally, keeping invasive questions out of casual conversation averts ableism. Most importantly, the best way to prevent ableism is to educate children. Hopefully, with more education and exposure to the subject, ableism will become less of a problem.
Ableism is a topic I feel strongly about because I have experienced ableism in all its forms. I have been degraded, ignored and excluded, and it was often because I was seen as a liability. Normalizing the thought of people with disabilities will raise awareness of ableism.
Unfortunately, ableism will never be cured. There will always be someone out in the world with biases toward individuals with disabilities. With education and inclusion, we can at least lessen the spread.