Ableism

What is Ableism?

The term “ableism” is composed of the English word “able” (to be able) and the suffix “-ism.” This highlights its connection to other forms of discrimination such as racism and sexism.

Ableism is used to describe the reduction of a person to their disability or impairment. This can involve either devaluation (because of a disability) or idealization/praise (despite a disability). In both cases, the individuals affected are not perceived as equal counterparts.

• Video: What is Abelism?

How Does Ableism Manifest Itself?

While the concept of ableism is still relatively new, the many forms of discrimination associated with it certainly are not.

Here is an everyday example:

Ms. A. is taking the bus home after work. The bus driver is visibly annoyed that a wheelchair user wants to board during rush hour and asks, “Is it really necessary for you to travel at this time?” Ms. A. replies that she needs the bus to get home from work. The driver’s rejection then turns into admiration: “Oh, that’s great that you have a job and are able to work!”

Our fictional Ms. A. does not want to be perceived either as “the disabled person delaying the bus” or as “the inspiring woman who works despite her disability.” She simply wants to be seen as a passenger using public transportation. Both (implicit) judgments are hurtful to her — just as it is hurtful for people with strollers to be treated as inconveniences.

The problem, therefore, is not Ms. A. herself. With measures such as more frequent bus services, accessible bus stops, sufficient space on buses, and dedicated bus lanes to prevent delays caused by traffic, not only Ms. A., the other passengers, and the bus driver would benefit, but also parents with strollers, elderly people with shopping trolleys, people with a broken leg, and children.

vgl. Interessenvertretung Selbstbestimmt Leben in Deutschland e.v. - ISL
Ableismus erkennen und begegnen. Strategien zur Stärkung von Selbsthilfepotenzialen.

Recognize ableist language

In our language there are some idioms, which are neither constructive nor respectful. Using different words and phrases means respecting those living with a handicap.

• “Confined/Stuck to a wheelchair”: For many people who use wheelchairs, this is neither a matter of being “dependent on” nor “confined to” one. Quite the opposite — using a wheelchair often provides mobility and freedom that would otherwise not be possible.
• “Deaf”: Referring to people in this way is considered outdated. Most hearing-impaired people are able to communicate through sign language if they have had the opportunity to learn it.
• “The disabled,” “The impaired,” “The blind”: These terms place the disability itself in the foreground. First and foremost, these are people who happen to have a disability or impairment, and it is important to phrase this accordingly (for example: “people with disabilities” instead of “the disabled”). If the disability is not relevant to the context, it does not need to be mentioned at all.
• “Are you retarded?”, “Are you blind?”, “Are you deaf?”, “Are you crazy?”: Using terms that describe disabilities as insults is still widespread and normalized in society. Many people use ableist language in everyday conversations without considering how hurtful these expressions can be to those who are actually affected.

What Can I Do If I Am Not Directly Affected?

To treat people with disabilities respectfully, it is important to reflect on the following questions:

• Do I speak to the other person respectfully and as an equal?
• Am I treating someone unfairly, negatively, or dismissively because of their disability?
• Am I treating someone with pity because of their disability?
• Do I speak directly to a person with a disability, or do I communicate only through accompanying persons?
• Am I making assumptions about another person’s feelings or experiences without actually asking them how they feel?
• Do I speak up when I witness unequal treatment, discrimination, or patronizing behavior toward people with disabilities?
• Do I help educate the people around me about the term ableism and what it means?