Prevalence of Ableism: Individual Level
I have decided that I want to do a deep dive into the prevalence of ableism. In a two post series, I will be discussing prevalence of ableism at
Individual Level
Societal Level
This post will talk about ableism at the individual level and in my next post I will cover ableism at the societal level. Here’s a breakdown as to what I will cover in this article
What ableism is
How individuals can develop ableist beliefs and how even innocent people can fall prey to ableism
Becoming more aware of individual ableist beliefs and begin treating disabled people with compassion
What Ableism Is
Disabled people like other marginalized groups can experience discrimination and mistreatment and this phenomenon is referred to as ableism. Ableism is the systematic oppression against disabled people in society. This is built on the idea that disabled people are less valuable than non-disabled people. Ableism also further reinforces the idea that being able-bodied is the ideal way to be in the world.
How ableism can develop at the individual level
It’s very very common for people to be ableist. One study found that 76% of people have an implicit bias against disabled people. I have an unpopular opinion that disabled people can also even be ableist against other disabled people. Disabled people can also turn ableism against themselves and develop shame around their disability. This shame can lead to negative beliefs about their disability and turn into internalized ableism. I will do a post explaining internalized ableism and the impact on a disabled person’s self-esteem more in a future post.
I want to be clear that I am not shaming or blaming anyone for having ableist beliefs. In some cases, developing ableist beliefs can be the result of societal or unconscious attitudes. These attitudes can condition us into believing that being disabled is inferior or some character flaw. The ego can naturally enjoy the feeling of being superior or better than someone. Even me can be a victim of these beliefs as a disabled person with both autism and ADHD. I am pretty sure that even I can have these beliefs towards disabled people I felt superior to. I am not perfect though I do aim to treat disabled people with empathy and compassion to the best of my ability. Lastly, I think it’s also human nature to seek out people who we perceive as familiar to us and to be naturally suspicious of people who are different.
However, these beliefs are important to confront to have a more fair and objective view of disabled people. Also, to begin to give disabled people more grace and compassion. This will allow us to be more accepting towards disabled people’s differences and begin to have a more inclusive attitude towards disabled people.
I do also want to acknowledge that some human beings can have conscious and intentional ableist beliefs about disabled people. There are people who are just hateful towards marginalized groups whether that’s race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Some examples of conscious and intentional ableist attitudes towards disabled people
“I am not going to invite that person to my event because they are weird”
“Disabled people don’t need accommodations”
“The world would be a better place if no one was disabled”
Combating Ableism as an Individual
There are several things you can do to combat ableism as an individual
Challenge any conscious ideas or implicit beliefs about disabled people being inferior to disabled people: This process can involve asking questions to challenge your own thinking like “How do I view disabled people?” “Where did these beliefs about disabled people come from?” “Do I have the whole truth about disabled people?”
Realize that not all disabilities need to be cured or fixed: Some disabilities do benefit from treatment in order to handle life better like ADHD for example with adderall to help us with focus and time management to get things done. However, not every disability is a problem that needs to be fixed. Some disabilities are neurological in nature and are just a part of how that individual is. For example, trying to cure autism can be taking away a very key part of that individual’s identity.
Provide support and encouragement to disabled people
Become more inclusive and welcoming of disabled people
Being willing to learn and attune to the experiences of disabled people and listen to their experiences of ableism: Taking the time to listen to disabled people and their experiences of ableism. This will allow you to slowly correct your ableist beliefs and eventually show up in a more compassionate way towards disabled people.
Exercise self-compassion and be forgiving of your ableist beliefs: Like I said earlier it’s not always your fault for having ableist beliefs. These beliefs can often be reinforced by society. Don’t shame yourself too hard if you have fallen prone to ableist beliefs. The most important thing is that you are here and show a willingness to work on your ableist beliefs. I appreciate those that are willing to do this work!
That’s it for this post folks. Stay tuned for part 2 where I talk about the prevalence of ableism at the societal level.