Ableism and Its History

It’s important to keep in mind that language plays a valuable role in how people with disabilities see themselves. Some people prefer “Person-First-Language, which is how I referred to people with disabilities above. Others prefer Identity First Language (disabled person) because they take pride in having a disability and consider it part of their identity. As teachers it is important to keep both of these language uses in mind because both ways are correct and that a student may tell you that they prefer a specific way. As an educator, we must honor our students are identify them as the way they wished to be identified.

Ableism is when a person’s disability is when disabilities are seen as the other and something to be overcome. It is important to keep this in mind when addressing a classroom with people with disabilities in it. Ableism stems from disability history (and how people with disabilities have been treated cruelly), lack of knowledge and understanding of varied experience of disabilities, outdated stereotypes, pity and inspiration, and practices and policies. 

Some history to keep in mind about American ableism through policies and laws that have affected countless lives are in 1907 when the state of Indiana enacted a sterilization law for “confirmed idiots, imbeciles, and rapists” which caused twenty-four states to also enact similar laws. This law became constitutional under Buck vs. Bell and the last known case occurred in 1981. This was not that long ago and there are still people with this same belief are still around today spreading rhetoric that this law is right. A lot of American society is still greatly affected by this law and the disabled community still feels its repercussions today. 

People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the world and it is important to remember that the majority of disabilities are invisible. Mental health is also a disability that can greatly affect a person’s way of life, ability to learn, and ability to function and many Americans are affected through their mental health. People with disabilities desire a social life and they are also sexual being. Having a disability does not cancel any of these natural reactions out of their emotional, physical, social, and mental responses. 

People with disabilities face discrimination through outdated policies and practices when buildings and technology is inaccessible. Ignoring disabled people or considering disability as part of diversity. Subtle discrimination occurs when people are not given a job because of “essential functions” when rolling is just as effective as walking. 

Social constructs cause disabilities more so than the person’s diagnosis. This can be due to barriers like attitudes, misconceptions, architecture, or technology. The PowerPoint I looked at lists a hierarchy of disabilities in this order with stigma increasing for each disability:

•      Blind/visual loss, wheelchair users, deaf/ hard of hearing

      Even more interesting is the fact that invisible disabilities have more stigma and are seen as someone’s fault. These include: 

•        Chronic illness
•        Intellectual disabilities
•        Mental illness
•        Addiction

 

This source provides a list of questions that disable people have to think about and the privilege that they lack compared to abled bodied people.

•Will I be allowed to make my own decisions?

•Is a venue accessible?

•Will people respect what I have to say?

•Will people take the time to listen to how I communicate (if I don't communicate verbally)?

•Will my adaptive equipment survive a plane trip or be damaged by someone that is trying to help?

•Will my romantic partner care (or even give me a chance) if I have a disability or have to have my mom drive me to a date?

•Will an employer give me a chance?

•Will I be able to find accessible housing and transportation?

•What other examples can you think of?

Different Types of Ableism:

The Supercrip- the disabled person who overcomes every adversity and is an inspiration to people. They make others feel great about themselves.

Helpless Victim Stereotype- A person whose disability controls their whole life and dominates the majority of their thoughts. It is believed that they cannot participate in activities or do things for themselves. The difficulties they experience are due to their poor outlook and personal characteristics as opposed to the limited and inaccessible community. This greatly impacts the individual as they may face pity, loss of autonomy, and lack of inclusion.

Nonsexual Being- This is one of the most popular stereotypes surrounding disabled individuals because they are not seen as sexual beings or capable of having a romantic relationship. A prominent stereotype is that disabled people only want to date other disabled people. This greatly impacts individuals with disabilities in lack of inclusion, targeting for abuse, as well as a high percentage of people killing themselves after acquiring a disability.

Eternal Child- This is a famous stereotype that transcends time. Disabled children are seen as eternal children who need saving, protecting, and guidance. This stereotype leads to segregation, the person not being allowed to make decisions for themselves, and others not listening to them or taking them seriously.

As educators it is important to stray away from this list of stereotypes that continues to promote ableist viewpoints in our society.

Works Cited:

Axtman, Devin. “Ableism: What It Is and Why It Matters To Everyone.” University of North   

Texas, 2017, edo.unt.edu/sites/default/file/Ableism%20-%20What%20It%20Is%20and

%20Why%20It%20Matters%20To%20Everyone.pdf.