Ableism

First welcome to the Living With Disabilities, Advocacy website and it's run by no other, Katrina Smith, who's a person with a Learning disability. 

 Today Living With Disabilities wants to talk about Ableism. 

 What's  Ableism? is discriminating against and being prejudiced against people who are disabled. The bottom line is treating someone unfairly because of their disability.

 Living in a community as a person with a disability can be hard, in the sense of dealing with society, not everyone who works in the workplace is opened minded, towards people with disabilities. 

 Why does ableism matter? Ableism matters because it builds barriers for people and stops them from participating in events out in society.

What are these barriers?

 1. inaccessibility

 2. discrimination 

 3. Not willing to change

 How to avoid formal ableism when communicating with a person with a disability, about their disability.

1. focus on their ability first.

2. They are a person. * Not their disability.

3. Ask what are their needs. (Accommodations)

4. Don't mention their disability

5. Language preference

6. Don't use offensive words. (Disabled person, Wheelchair-bound)

What empowers a person with a disability?
 When you focus on what they can do, rather than what they can't do. Example: Johnny has Spina Bifida and uses a wheelchair, his wheelchair does not make him confided. He can Dance and play sports like everyone else. The focus is on what he can do.

Remember person first

What a person's disability maybe does not come before them, they are a person first. Addressing them as a person before their disability. Example: Sally is visually impaired. Not vision-impaired Sally.

What are needs?

 When it comes to a person with a disability, ask what are their needs to help them fit in with everyone else. whether it be making the sidewalk accessible by making it wide or adding accessible pushbuttons these things make a person welcome into your space. It's all about accommodating.

When it comes to Don't!!!

Ask what they prefer to go by, Language preference. Some may use their disability before the person, and others prefer person before their disability.

Never!!!!!!!

Use terms as Retard, Cripple, Slow when talking or addressing a person with a disability. 

What are some things a person with a disability will need?

1. Closed Caption for video's

2. Ramp, Accessible bathroom, Accessible housing, Elevator, Braille signs, Equal Opportunity for jobs, Accessible transportation, Inclusive Education, Adequate income, Counselor, Accessible medical care, and advocacy.

 ~BONUS~

If you are looking for ways to avoid ableism, Living With Disabilities has added a bonus.

What can you do to avoid ableism? 

 1. Educate yourself on different disabilities.

2. If you own a workspace, make it more accessible.

3. Treat the person with a disability. Like, a person.

4. Support Disability organizations 

5. interact with the person with the disability.

6. Be aware of inaccessible places and find accessible places to go to.

7. Ask first.

Picture created on Canva

Living With Disabilities Anchor FM talks about this Ableism.  

 https://anchor.fm/livingwithdisabilites/episodes/Ableism-e1betse