Michelle Swaney - Defining and Understanding Ableism

What is ableism, and how do educators and parents display or avoid this attitude? Thomas Heir provided an opening statement in “Confronting Ableism” that I believe best summarizes this question: “Negative cultural attitudes toward disability can undermine opportunities for all students to participate fully in school and society.” For most people, though, there is little understanding of what negative cultural attitudes are and the effect they have on individuals with disabilities.

Heir provided examples in the “Confronting Ableism” article demonstrating the negative attitudes of ableism. Some of the examples included Ricky (deaf) whose parents wanted him to “function in the ‘normal’ world” choosing the oral method and Susan (dyslexia) who was expected to read at grade level on tests. Ableism is exhibited in education when instructors determine that a student with a disability is unable to achieve what students without can achieve or by making the decision that the student must demonstrate a functional level on par with other students without providing necessary accommodations. It is necessary for educators to avoid negative attitudes of ableism and meet the needs of the student without judgement.

On the other end of the spectrum is the creation a learning environment whereby the student with a disability is provided necessary accommodations and encouraged to utilize their abilities to the fullest extent. Two examples were provided in the article: Ed Roberts (polio) who could not participate in PE and the school board considered denying a diploma for not meeting the requirements, his parents protested and he graduated and Adrienne Asche (blind) who credits her parents with “ensur[ing] that I lived as full and rich a life a I could”. For both of these individuals, their disability was not a reason for achieving less than they had potential for nor was it minimized to the point that they were expected to function in the same way as individuals without disabilities. They were provided the needed support without being minimized as a person.

Heir’s article provides insight into ableism as well as ways it can best be confronted and dealt with. I agree with his perspective and appreciate the range of examples he utilized of individuals with disabilities. It is important for educators to have a better understanding of how to avoid displaying ableism in the classroom. Making a change in attitude can be quite a challenge, but one worthy of pursuing.