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What Ableism Looks Like By Jamie Shields

Ableism is still ableism, even if the intent was not to cause harm.

Image Description: Jamie Shields holding chin with a contemplative look

Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino
(Rhinos are just chubby unicorns with bad eyesight)
Helping Brands make Inclusive Accessible Change

That's the thing about ableism, it's usually hidden amongst misguided intent.

You didn't mean to offend me by saying I don't look Disabled. But what you actually did was erase a piece of my identity.

You didn't mean to exclude me, but you presumed I wasn't able to do something because of my disability. When, in fact, with the right adjustments/ accommodations, I can do it brilliantly and I enjoy it.

We don't mean to offend, exclude, or Disable people with ableism. But we just aren't educated.

So please, if you're going to do anything today, start learning about ableism.

The title reads, “What Ableism looks like:” Above are 9 statements, accompanied by a piece of clipart.

Image Description: The title reads, “What Ableism looks like:” Above are 9 statements, accompanied by a piece of clipart.

Believing Disability is only visible or physical - stick person with their hands in their ears.
Telling someone they don't look Disabled - a stick person saying something to another wearing glasses.
Asking a Person to prove they are Disabled - a stick person saying something to another which has made them gasp.
Making a judgement on a Disabled Person's capability - stick person pointing at another.
Designing or creating something inaccessible - stick person working on a computer.
Not making your recruitment process accessible - a stick person using a wheelchair being refused by another stick person.
Refusing to make an event/environment accessible - stick person reviewing a board.
Using outdated or offensive language - stick person saying words aggressively.
You asking a Person to prove they are Disabled - a stick person speaking to another appearing cunning.