One of the most insidious forms of ableism is denying that disability discrimination exists. When people say, “Oh, we treat everyone the same,” they miss the point by a mile. Equal treatment doesn’t mean equitable treatment, and it certainly doesn’t erase the barriers that people with disabilities face every day. I have been on the receiving end of these denials, and I would be lying if I said they didn’t hurt. https://lnkd.in/dYiPNzk6
By denying that disability discrimination exists, you’re essentially invalidating the lived experience of people with disabilities. The most generous interpretation of these denials is an implication our struggles are imaginary. A less charitable interpretation is the implication that disabled people deserve the treatment they are receiving or that we are the cause of the discrimination, where the true cause is the social systems that marginalize us. This mindset is a prime example of ableism, where the non-disabled experience is seen as the “norm,” and anything else is either overlooked or dismissed.
We can’t make progress until we acknowledge that disability discrimination is real and happens far too often—whether it’s in the workplace, in education, or even in public spaces. Ignoring it won’t make it disappear; it only allows the status quo to continue unchallenged. Don’t forget that disabled people can be ableist as well, whether through prioritizing visible disabilities over invisible ones or labels such as high or low functioning.
Let’s call it what it is: ableism. Let’s also pledge to do better by listening to and validating the experiences of people with disabilities and participating in enacting solutions. Until we do, we’re contributing to the problem.
Alt: Denying ableism exists is another form of ableism.