This material has been made available freely for anyone who wishes to become a better advocate or ally to people with disabilities. It represents nearly a year of work and research and proper citation of this copyrighted content is humbly requested. Thank you.
Citing this work
Fitch, K. (2021). Disabilities, diversity & inclusion. KFitchdesign. http://kfitchdesign.com/index.php/disabilities-diversity-inclusion/
One of the biggest challenges facing people with disabilities in America is ableism. Like racism, sexism, ageism, and other prejudices, ableism results in the systematic oppression of a group of people within our society. This four-part series offers a deeper dive to help parents, caregivers, providers, and people with disabilities to build a working understanding of ableism. After completing the program, you will not only be able to recognize ableism, you will also be able to apply what you have learned to dismantle it.
Module 1: What is ableism?
This is the first module in a four-part series on ableism. After watching this video, you will be better able to answer the question, “what is ablesim?” with a better understanding of: definitions and components of ableism, a brief history of disability in America, and the three main models used to understand disability (the moral, medical, and social models).
Module 2: Why does it matter?
This is the second module in a four-part series on ableism. After watching this video, you will have a better understanding of how ableism not only impacts people with disabilities but also the family, friends, and communities that support them.
Module 3: What does it look like?
This is the third module in a four-part series on ableism. After watching this video, you will be better able to recognize patterns of ableism in behavior and in communication.
Module 4: What can I do about ableism?
This is the fourth module in a four-part series on ableism. After watching this video, you will understand three steps you can take to dismantle ableism.
“Some say we shouldn’t worry about the words, just the way we treat people. But if you think about it, what you call people is how you treat people. If we change the words, maybe it’ll be the start of a new attitude towards people with intellectual disabilities. And they deserve it.”
Nick Marcellano
Overthrowing Ableism 