Ableism
What is Ableism? "Any statement or behaviour directed at a disabled person that denigrates or assumes a lesser status for the person because of their disability." and "Social habits, practices, regulations, laws, and institutions that operate under the assumption that disabled people are inherently less capable overall, less valuable in society, and / or should have less personal autonomy than is ordinarily granted to people of the same age." Both definitions are taken from the article Words Matter, And It’s Time to Explore the Meaning Of “Ableism” by Andrew Pulrang. Can you be a part of the disability community and be ableist? You bet. Should we feel shame? No, we have enough of that. We need to challenge our ableism, learn, and grow. Sometimes we will nail it and sometimes we won't... and that’s okay, providing we do not deny the existence of ableism within ourselves.
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Subject: TED Talk “I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much”, by Stella Young
Posted: May 6, 2022
TED Talk “I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much”, by Stella Young
Wikipedia: Stella Jane Young (24 February 1982 – 6 December 2014) was an Australian comedian, journalist and disability rights activist.
Melanie: Have you heard of the term "Inspiration Porn"? It is a term that was coined by the late Stella Young, and in this 9 minute video she eloquently lays it out for us. I am still educating myself on this term. I think I have it and then there's a "but...". I would love to have a group discussion on this so I can gather other perspectives. If you have thoughts on this subject... please let me know.
TED Video Description: Stella Young is a comedian and journalist who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn't, she'd like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society's habit of turning disabled people into "inspiration porn."
Subject: Dismantling Ableism in Ontario
Posted: May 5, 2022
Dismantling Ableism in Ontario
Melanie: In 2019, TVO's The Agenda in the Summer host Nam Kiwanuka interviewed Sarah Jama on Dismantling Ableism in Ontario. Sarah is "A community organizer based in Hamilton, Ontario with a passion for community engagement, disability justice, and activism." By listening to this interview, I learned about organizations and work being done in a city that is only 20 minutes away from where we live. We can find a whole network of people doing amazing work in our neighbourhoods! So often we can become discouraged or feel alone... by reaching out to community organizations we build bridges and connections. We do not have to be alone, we can join forces, build community and move forward together. To watch the interview, click on the link at the bottom of this post.
Here are links to organizations highlighted by Sarah...
Subject: A Few Words About My Ableism
Posted: February 4, 2022
A Few Words About My Ableism
Melanie: On the About page, my section ends with "She is currently working on expanding her knowledge of SCI and the SCI community, fulfilling her passion for working with people and making connections." I have expanded my knowledge of SCI and I have been engaging with the SCI community. In doing this work, by speaking with others, by following the trails and jumping down the rabbit holes, I have come to realize that I have been expanding my understanding of disability and the larger disability community.
Part of this work includes recognizing and challenging my ableism. It is uncomfortable... and it should be... but that should not stop us from moving forward. We must own it and grow from it.
Wallace and I are both looking forward to having conversations about ableism and we hope that you will join us!
Subject: Talk
Posted: February 4, 2022
Talk
Melanie: Our friend Sheri told us about a video called "Talk". She often uses this video during her advocacy work with organizations looking to improve their AODA policies and procedures. After watching it, we knew it would make a great addition to our website. For those of you looking to work on your ableism... this is a great place to start. Thanks Sheri!!
To watch "Talk", click on the link below. For the audio describe version, click HERE.
Equality and Human Rights Commission: ('Talk' is a) DVD originally produced by the Disability Rights Commission in 2004. 'Talk' portrays a society in which non-disabled people are a pitied minority and disabled people live full and active lives.
Subject: Ableism and Racism: Roots of The Same Tree
Posted: February 4, 2022
Ableism and Racism: Roots of The Same Tree
Melanie: My sister Meagan sent me the link to this podcast. I listened to Dr Ibram X. Kendi's book How To Be An Antiracist over the course of a couple of weeks during my walk though a local cemetery. I am working on recognizing and assessing my biases, racist beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou. There is a lot more for me to read, to discuss with others and to learn. Rebecca Cokley is an American disability rights activist and public speaker.
To link to to the podcast Ableism and Racism: Roots of The Same Tree, click on the link below.
Podcast Description: Rebecca Cokley is one of the country’s leading voices on disability rights, and centers race in her analysis and advocacy. She is the founding director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress, and served in the Obama administration from 2009-2013. Dr. Kendi sat down with the California native for a frank conversation on the intersections of ableism and racism in America, the historic civil rights legislation governing both, and what we can all do to advocate for a better future for people with disabilities.