Ableism

Never heard of it.

Didn't know such a thing existed.

Was astonished when I learned that such a thing did exist.

Of course I wouldn't have heard of it or known of it's existence because for most of my life it didn't have anything to do with me or my life.

This is one of the things I am learning about as I open up and embark on my own journey through living with an invisible disability. This is one of the reasons that people keep their struggles with their invisible disabilities to themselves and suffer in silence. It's a fear of being discriminately judged against.

Ableism is discrimination and social prejudice against physically or mentally disabled people. Ableism characterizes people as they are defined by their disabilities and it also classifies disabled people as people who are inferior to non-disabled people.

That last part......."classifying disabled people as inferior to able bodied people".

Ableism can be categorized into ten types with the most common top three being:

• Institutional

• Interpersonal

• Internalized

Institutional Ableism exists in organizations such as workplaces or schools. Failure to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, even designing the buildings or work areas without considering accessibility for people mobility or other impairments. Showing bias or prejudicial practices when it comes to hiring or the promotion process.

Interpersonal Ableism refers to the behaviors and attitudes displayed in social or public interactions and settings. Making assumptions about a person's abilities, using slurs, and being patronizing or infantile towards someone with a disability.

Internalized Ableism happens with people with disabilities internalize low self-esteem or self-loathing, which has them feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their disability, therefore they don't seek the help or support that they need. This one hits hard for those living with invisible disabilities because there's the belief that one is not 'disabled enough' to deserve any kind of accommodations or support.

There's also Physical Ableism, assuming that people with physical disabilities are less capable or productive. Mental Ableism (Sanism), discrimination against people with mental health conditions. Medical Ableism, failing to provide adequate services and care, based on the assumptions of a disabled person's wishes or needs. Cultural Ableism, making fun of a person's disability, and invalidating their experiences and perspectives simply because they have a disability. Hostile Ableism, aggressive behavior towards a person with a disability, such as bullying, verbal, or physical abuse or violence.

Benevolent Ableism, though seemingly positive it can still be patronizing. Like treating a person who is disabled as helpless or weak and overlooking their contributions and what they are capable of. I set this one apart from the others to expand on it from my own personal perspective.

Only close friends and family knew early on of my visual limitations. Being self-sufficient and independent, it offended me greatly to be thought of as helpless or incapable in any capacity. I hated the thought of being pitied.

One of the heartfelt lessons I'm learning is accepting people's assistance as being from the heart and not from pity. Generally people want to help; family and friends do sincerely want to help, and trough that I'm learning the difference between sincere assistance and benevolent ableism.

Ableism comments can sometimes be masked in the form of a compliment. When someone says, "Oh, I don't even see it.", yes, they could be coming from a place of being unobservant, and even from a place of not wanting to embarrass the person or make them feel self-conscious.

But it really doesn't make us feel better. It's not a comment of inclusion or acceptability. It's more of 'let's just ignore it and move away from it'.

Change begins with awareness; awareness comes from educating oneself about ableism.