What Is Ableism?

Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on January 22, 2022
Written by Alexandra Benisek
3 min read

Ableism is a term that refers to the practices or ideas that discriminate against those who have disabilities. It suggests that society puts higher value on people with typical abilities. Ableism assumes that people with disabilities need to be “fixed.” Like other forms of prejudice, ableism creates unfair and harmful stereotypes about specific groups of people.

Our society often focuses on those with common abilities and forgets about people with skills that differ from that. Because of this, many aspects of our world are ablest, even without the intention to be.

Examples include:

  • Separating students with disabilities into different schools
  • Restraining or isolating students with disabilities
  • Lack of accessibility in building designs (Braille on signs, ramps for those in wheelchairs, etc.)
  • Mocking or joking about disabilities
  • The use of a non-disabled actor to play a disabled character in a performance
  • Movies or theaters that don’t include audio transcriptions or closed captioning
  • Using an accessible bathroom stall when not needed
  • When someone talks to a person with disabilities as though they’re a child or if someone talks for someone with disabilities
  • Intrusive questions about someone’s disability
  • Assuming that a disability must be visible to be real

Microaggressions are hurtful actions, statements, or assumptions that may be offensive to certain groups of people. They suggest that a disability makes someone different or inferior. Examples include:

  • Comments like: “That person is crazy,” “They’re so psycho,” “I’m super OCD about how I clean my car,” “It’s like the blind leading the blind.”
  • Helping someone with a disability, even though they don’t need it
  • Assuming that someone can’t do something because of a disability

Ableism affects individuals differently. People who have typical abilities often believe that those with disabilities always need help and can’t function on their own. They may make assumptions about someone, treat them differently, or misunderstand a person because of their disability. For example:

  • People with learning disabilities, like dyslexia, might need help with spelling. Their peers may misjudge them as not smart.
  • Some people may treat adults with physical disabilities as children.
  • When someone has a disability, other people may call them inspirational. This implies that disabilities make someone unable to live a normal life.
  • People may rush to help someone who’s blind, even though they may not actually need it.

Because of these things, people with disabilities may not feel that the public considers them to be equal. Ableism is usually unintentional. But the issues it leads to proves there’s a divide between how society views people with disabilities and those without.

No one should pity or look down on someone due to a disability. Instead, appreciate the potential that people with disabilities have before you make assumptions. The only way to fight ableism is to understand the true needs and feelings of those with a variety of skills.

In all areas of life, it’s important to see people as individuals and not define them by their disability. To create a more inclusive space, consider the needs of all people. For example:

  • When making dinner plans, make sure to accommodate those in your group who may be in a wheelchair.
  • When moving into a new home or office space, consider those who will be using the area. How can you choose a more accessible building?
  • If you plan an event, will there be an interpreter there for those who can’t hear?

As always, the best way to avoid offending someone is to include diverse voices. To defeat ableism, listen and appreciate the needs and opinions of people with disabilities.