Ableism - Lifting The Veil

Ableism: 

I will be posting a series of posts dealing with tackling ableism at work. The handbook capturing the series can be found here.

A Silhouette of Silence 

 

This piece outlines the challenges and limitations of addressing the aspects of culture and language that disadvantage disabled people. The first three sections specifically address ontological and epistemological issues that must be addressed before methodology or literature can be discussed.

 

I argue that experimental science is not an appropriate methodology for this type of research, as it is inherently oppressive to disabled people. Instead, I want to say that a caring methodology,  a feminist approach, for example, respects disabled people's experiences and perspectives. Research also needs to be emancipatory, meaning that it should seek to empower participants and challenge the systems that disadvantage them. Research, therefore, needs to be grounded in a social constructionist perspective of co-production, which means that it should be conducted in collaboration.

I  conclude by discussing the importance of language and culture in shaping the experiences and argue that ableism is often reinforced through language and culture unwittingly, therefore important to be mindful of this when conducting research.

Here are some key points:

·      Ableism is a form of oppression that disadvantages disabled people.

·      Traditional positivist experimental science is not an appropriate methodology for researching disability, as it is inherently oppressive.

·      Interpretivist-inductive methodology is a more respectful and emancipatory approach to researching disability.

·      Research on disability should be grounded in a social constructionist perspective of co-production, meaning that it should be conducted in collaboration with disabled people.

·      Language and culture play an important role in shaping the experiences of disabled people.

 

This blog critically examines the concept of ableism and its profound impact on d/Disabled individuals. I want to explore the social and systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for organisations and society to acknowledge and address these challenges. Accountability may be addressed by promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 11, 12, 13, 16 and 17, which deal with inequality,  institutions, governance, and peace & justice.

This piece encourages readers to reflect on their own biases, become advocates for disability rights, and actively contribute to positive change.

 

I. Introduction:

The issue of ableism has long been a subject of concern in contemporary society, I aim to provide a summary and analysis into the intricacies of this pervasive form of discrimination. By examining insights, we aim to shed light on the social and systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals.

 

II. Understanding Ableism:

Ableism refers to the prejudice and discrimination experienced by disabled individuals, stemming from societal attitudes and infrastructural barriers. This post emphasises an urgent need for society to recognise and address these challenges, as they significantly impact the human rights of disabled individuals.

 

III. Unveiling Social and Systemic Barriers:

I want to emphasise the importance of recognising and dismantling social and systemic barriers that perpetuate ableism. These barriers include inaccessible physical environments, limited educational opportunities, employment discrimination, and social stigmatization. Such barriers limit the full participation and inclusion of disabled individuals in various aspects of society.

 

IV. Promoting Equality and Opportunities:

In order to combat ableism, more needs to be done at strategic levels to address equality and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. It highlights the significance of fostering understanding and empathy towards disabled people, I encourage readers to reflect on their own biases and assumptions.

 

V. Advocacy for Disability Rights:

The post serves as a call to action, urging readers to become advocates for disability rights. By raising awareness about the challenges faced by disabled individuals and engaging in open and respectful conversations, we can challenge ableism at both an individual and societal level.

 

VI. Conclusion:

In conclusion, the blogs that follow will provide a thought-provoking framework to explore the issue of ableism and its impact on disabled people. The crucial role of equality, understanding, and equal opportunities in fostering a more equitable society. By actively challenging ableism and advocating for disability rights, we can collectively work towards building a more inclusive and accepting world.