Ableism is embedded into our everyday language, attitudes, and belief systems. Ableism exists to oppress folks that are diversely-abled. Something we may find difficult to cut out of our language are words and phrases such as, “That’s dumb!” or “You’re crazy!” These are some of the ways in which able-bodied people are conditioned to perpetuate ableism unconsciously because these specific phrases are deemed as socially acceptable. These lessons explore the ways in which ableism has been internalized and how we can understand and celebrate differently-abled folks and their access needs in our communities.

• Ableism is discrimination fuelled by the perception that diversely abled folks are ‘less-than’ or lack value, and ultimately, humanity.
• Ableism is a cultural disorder that affects people’s communication skills, interpersonal behaviours and the ways in which this trickles into institutions, culture, and interpersonal relationships.
• As you’re reading this, you are participating in able-bodied privilege. We are currently perpetuating ableism by not having a different form of accessing this information. In order to read the text on this page you must be able to physically and intellectually read and understand the words off this text.

Obvious barriers are mainly physical:

• Stairs, inaccessible doorway entries, lack of ramps, the size of sidewalks/hallways
• The layout of rooms and public spaces, small bathrooms
• High chairs and poor lighting

Less obvious barriers:

• Electronic documents without alternative text, small print, read-only materials
• A program or job that requires a full course load or 40 hours per week
• Make accommodations for differently abled folks as a “special favour”
• A lack of understanding or awareness around invisible disabilities (i.e. chronic illnesses, learning disabilities, mental illnesses)

Some things able-bodied people have access to that we don’t think about often enough:

• The freedom to leave our homes (bad weather or not, we always have choice)
• The ability to live in our homes (as opposed to health care facilities and hospitals)
• The freedom to stay alive without the need of a caregiver/tool/ventilator
• The capacity to work, remain employed long-term, and have financial opportunities
• Living our lives without experiencing pain on a daily and prolonged basis
• We are represented on all forms of media, newspapers, broadcasts of all types

• Do not assume that people with disabilities do not hold autonomy
• Do not assume that disabilities are always visible
• Do not expect diversely-abled folks to educate or convince you of their disability
• Ableist language has been naturalized in the English language, be mindful of this
• Acknowledge the seven types of learners: Visual, Aural, Verbal, Physical, Logical, Social, Solitary

Understanding Barriers to Accessibility (University of Ottawa)
What is Ableism? (whatisableism.tumblr.com)
6 Common Forms of Ableism We Need to Eliminate Immediately (Everyday Feminism)
Overview of Learning Styles (Learning Styles Online)