One of the biggest challenges facing people with disabilities in America is ableism. Like racism, sexism, ageism, and other prejudices, ableism results in the systematic oppression of a group of people within our society. This program is designed to help parents, caregivers, providers, and people with disabilities to build a working understanding of ableism. After completing the program, you will not only be able to recognize ableism, you will also be able to apply what you have learned to dismantle it.
This material has been made available freely for anyone who wishes to become a better advocate or ally to people with disabilities. It represents nearly a year of work and research and proper citation of this copyrighted content is humbly requested. Thank you.
Module 1 overview
This is the first module in a four-part series on ableism. After watching this video, you will be better able to answer the question, "what is ablesim?" with a better understanding of: definitions and components of ableism, a brief history of disability in America, and the three main models used to understand disability (the moral, medical, and social models).
Objectives
- Develop a working definition of ableism
- Understand key historical periods for Americans with disabilities
- Compare the Moral, Medical, and Social models of disability
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module 2 overview
This is the second module in a four-part series on ableism. After watching this video, you will have a better understanding of how ableism not only impacts people with disabilities but also the family, friends, and communities that support them.
Objectives
- Discover how ableism impacts people with disabilities, their families, and their communities
- Explore case examples of ableism
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Module 3 overview
This is the third module in a four-part series on ableism. After watching this video, you will be better able to recognize patterns of ableism in behavior and in communication.
Objectives
- Recognize ableist behavior (accessibility, autonomy, avoidance, patronizing behaviors)
- Recognize ableist thought patterns (inspiration porn, language, euphemisms, dehumanizing & disempowering words/phrases, labels)
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module 4 overview
This is the fourth module in a four-part series on ableism. After watching this video, you will understand three steps you can take to dismantle ableism.
Objectives
- Use questions to become aware of your own biases
- Reflect on privilege and power
- Identify disabled adult voices where you can learn more
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Additional Resources
Connecting for Kids Disability & Inclusion Resource Guide
This guide includes information on organizations who support disability advocacy efforts, books, online resources and a list of disabled adult advocates you can follow.
Social Work Technical Writer Videos on Disability
The Social Work Technical Writer collection includes 3-6 minute videos on various topics, including Ableism & Language, Implicit Attitudes, and The Three Models of Disability.
Project Implicit at Harvard University
Collection of Implicit Associations Tests (IATs) which can be used to understand personal biases.
Citing this Work
Fitch, K. (2021). Disabilities, diversity & inclusion. KFitchdesign. http://kfitchdesign.com/index.php/disabilities-diversity-inclusion/