Ableism Defined and Broken Down

Ableism is believed to have been coined by feminists in the 1980s and has gradually gained acceptance around the world.

Ableism refers to discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior to those with disabilities. It can be expressed through an attitude, a stereotype, or an outright offensive statement or behavior.

Medical News Today says this about Ableism: Ableism perpetuates a negative view of disability. Disabilities are seen as flaws or abnormalities, while being non-disabled is viewed as the ideal. Those who identify as disabled, as well as those who perceive others as disabled, suffer from systemic oppression. Caregivers can also be affected by ableism indirectly.

Ableism: Types, examples, impact, and anti-ableism

Ableism refers to bias, prejudice, and discrimination against people with disabilities. It hinges on the idea that…

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Often, those who act ableist don't see it that way.

There are many forms of ableism, including institutional ableism, which stems from the idea that disability is a problem that needs to be fixed. This is a serious problem when it is part of medical teaching or policy in general, because it not only affects the disabled patient being treated, but also the disability as a whole.

Ableism, sees the person with a disability and says, "You do not look disabled.". As if people with disabilities have a certain appearance.

Interpersonal ableism occurs in social interactions and relationships.

Have you ever seen a parent spend all their time trying to find a cure for a child's disability, instead of accepting the child's disability? That’s interpersonal.

A person who internalizes ableism believes and applies the harmful messages they hear about disability to themselves consciously or unconsciously. A person who feels disability accommodations are a privilege, rather than a right, is an example of this.

Ableism comes in different forms

Let’s break that down..

Hostile Ableism: This includes openly aggressive behaviors or policies, such as bullying, abuse, and violence.

The use of aggressive language, physical abuse, bullying, or violence. Putting obstacles in someone's path with the intention of hurting them.

Benevolent ableism: This form of ableism views people with disabilities as weak, vulnerable, or in need of rescuing.

Assuming that just because someone is disabled that they need help, e.g. pushing someone in a wheelchair without their permission. Usually if someone needs help they will ask for it, but just because someone has a disability doesn't mean they need help.

An example of ambivalent ableism is the combination of hostile ableism and benevolent ableism.

A person begins by being patronizing to a person with a disability, is called out on it, and then becomes aggressive.

Language that is ableist: Everyday language is full of examples of ableism. Today, people use terms like "dumb" and "lame" as synonyms for "stupid" and "bad." And they misuse words to make conditions seem trivial.

Designing buildings, public spaces, products, and technology for non-disabled people is an example of ableism.

Discrimination in education: Schools that do not provide disability accommodations, do not understand disabilities, or try to "teach" children not to have impairments are all examples of ableism.

Using punishment instead of adapting the teaching method to accommodate a student with a learning disability, or any disability that requires adaptations, would be an example of this.

Despite its newer term, ableism has existed for so long as there have been people with disabilities.

There are a number of ways we can stop ableism, but the most important is to educate others about disabilities and how they affect people's lives.

Understanding ableism, ableist stereotypes, and disability rights activism

Listening to people with disabilities describe their experiences

By correcting myths or stopping bullying, we can challenge ableism.

Giving disabled people a platform, or "passing the mic," instead of speaking for them

Promoting accessibility and inclusivity!

Combating ableism by enacting policies and laws.

© Michelle R Kidwell

August.29.2022,

Revised February.09.2025