In Canada, we are fortunate that, in many circumstances, disabilities are taken into consideration. Having brail in an elevator or a wheelchair ramp up to a building are just two things that many of us take for granted. But what about when discrimination against those with a disability – ableism – appears and you have a disability?
What Is Ableism?
Ableism is simply the preferential treatment of able-bodied people over those with disabilities. It’s a form of discrimination. Discrimination against those with disabilities can be seen in the workforce, for example, when a person with a disability is passed over for a promotion because of his or her disability (whether anyone states it as such or not).
What Is Self-Ableism?
Self-ableism is being down on yourself because you are not fully able in some way. While it is likely that people in wheelchairs do not get down on themselves for not being able to walk up stairs, someone with another kind of disability such as chronic fatigue syndrome or bipolar disorder may very well feel badly about the things they cannot do.
For example, if a person with chronic fatigue syndrome were to go to a party but have to leave at 9:00 p.m. as they tire easily, that person could easily beat him or herself up about not being able to stay out and have fun like “everyone else,” like all the able-bodied people, because of his or her disability.
Similarly, a person with a mental illness like bipolar may choose to abstain from alcohol for health reasons and he or she, too, may feel bad about not participating in the same events as all of his or her friends.
What to Do About Ableism When You Have a Disability?
Ableism is a form of prejudice and one of the biggest fighters against prejudice is
education. It’s critical that people learn and understand that people with disabilities can be chief executive officers of companies, or great parents, or mechanics or do most anything else that able-bodied people do, just, perhaps, in a different way. Accommodations might be needed to help support people with disabilities reach their goals, but that is no excuse for ableism.
If you have a disability you can fight against ableism simply by being you. By succeeding in your personal challenges and being a positive example for others, you help defeat ableism.
What to Do About Self-Ableism?
Self-ableism is trickier as it’s insidious and silent. If you find yourself judging yourself for your disability, take a step back and consider whether you would accept that type of judgement of someone else. Would you allow another person to judge based on a disability? Most people wouldn’t, so why, then, is it okay to judge ourselves negatively based on the same disability? Do you not deserve the same open-mindedness that you offer others? Of course you do.
When considering ableism in its many forms, remember this: Whether you take the wheelchair ramp or the stairs, you still both get to the top.
“This article was written by award-winning mental health writer and speaker, Natasha Tracy.”
http://natashatracy.com
