Ableism: how can we be less ableist?

This is part three of a three part series.

Part one will provide an overview of what ableism is.

Part two will discuss the harms of ableism.

Part three will discuss how we can be less ableist.

This will be a very brief overview! Links are provided for further reading.

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At this point in the three part series, I'm going to assume we're in agreement that:

• Ableism happens (even though the majority of people do not intend to be ableist)

• It can occur on a large or a small scale

• It is harmful to both the person who receives and the person who carries out the ableism.

I'm also going to assume that we want to be less ableist.

So, how can we be less ableist?

There are lots of ways! Too many to list in any one article. A non-exhaustive list of options to learn about and start to action are below.

Learn more about disability

A useful primer about all things disability is hot off the press: Demystifying Disability - What To Know, What To Say, And How To Be An Ally by Emily Ladau. Purchase and do the work to learn how to be a better ally to disabled people.

A plain language summary is also available.

Language matters

What you say and what you don't say really matters. Ally Etiquette: The Disability Terms Everyone Should Know gives a great introduction about what is and isn't helpful. This guide was written with input from disabled people.

Ensure web accessibility

Learn how to make any online presence accessible via A Beginner’s Guide to Accessible Content.

Prioritise event accessibility

Use an Event Accessibility Checklist to address as many needs as possible when planning your next event.

Image description: A meme starring Anakin and Padme from Star Wars. There are four panels. In the first panel Anakin says: "I'm organising a virtual event". In the second panel Padme says: "You'll make it accessible, right?" In the third panel Anakin looks at her unsmiling. In the fourth panel Padme looks concerned that the event might not be accessible and says: "Right?"

Make it known that accommodations (also known as adjustments) are available to students and colleagues and support people to access them

An introduction to accommodations under Australian legislation is available via Workplace Adjustments. Other jusrisdictions will likely have similar legislation.

The Job Accommodation Network hosts A to Z of Disabilities and Accommodations - a database which can be used by students, employees, graduate programs and employers to identify accommodations.

Create a graduate program or workplace where disclosure is possible and encouraged

Make It Safe for Employees to Disclose Their Disabilities provides some pointers for how best to achieve this.

What else would you recommend for people to be less ableist? Leave your tips in the comments!

Thank you for coming on this whirlwind tour of ableism!

I encourage you to reflect upon the big and little ways that you can be mindful about, and more inclusive of, your students and colleagues with disability, chronic illness and/or neurodiversity. In the words of Moira Rose from Schitt's creek: "When one of us shines, all of us shine". Let's all shine together!

Image description: Moira Rose from Schitt's Creek saying "When one of us shines, all of us shine". She is wearing a black top and a large beaded necklace. She has shoulder length blonde hair in waves. She is wearing makeup.

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Author: Janette Hayward, Founder, Dare To Be Aware