Definitions
Ableism
"The practices and dominant attitudes in society that devalue and limit the potential of disabled people. A set of practices and beliefs that assign inferior value (worth) to people who have developmental, emotional, physical or psychiatric disabilities." Stop Ableism
These biased thoughts can be associated with discriminatory practices, including but not restricted to the following examples:
- Leaning on a person's wheelchair instead of appreciating that support allows them to fully engage in their community.
- Assuming we have made all necessary accommodations because no disabled people complained, when they were not present at an event they could not attend because the physical environment was not supportive.
- Interacting with disabled people as if they were children who needed your care and protection.
- A non-disabled person forwarding a video that leaves them feeling inspired because a disabled person accomplished an everyday task. These posts are often accompanied by statements like, “Having a hard day, power through! If they can do it, so you can you!!!”
- Assuming classmates have it easier because they have longer time to take the test.
Ableist Language
Discriminatory language that is associated with ableist thinking. Ableist language is typically associated with a marginalized group but is borrowed by another group and used in a discriminatory manner. Ableist language also focuses on deficits. Examples of ableist language includes but is not restricted to:
- The ‘r word’
- Saying a person has a blindspot (instead of having a lack of insight)
- Describing a person as “wheel-chair bound” instead of as a “wheel chair user”
- Saying someone else is ‘special,’ particularly when it is a way to illustrate something negative
- Using different language to describe a disabled person than a non-disabled person
Another language-related concern is whether to use person-first (e.g., person with a disability) or identity-first (e.g., a disabled person). Disabled advocates, the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community, and younger people all agree that identity-first language is preferred. But the most anti-ableist approach is to ask people which they prefer and then to honor their preference without discourse.
"The words have become embedded in our language and we don't even realize the words we are saying have an impact." University of the Fraser Valley
Thanks go to Dr. Susan Wilczynski, Plassman Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, Ball State University for her help with these definitions.
CC-BY license
This guide is based on the “Disability Equity” guide from the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Criss Library. It has been revised and added to. "Anti-Ableism" by Ball State University Libraries is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.