Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Today is Blogging Against Disablism Day

Here are a few basic random thoughts I have about Disablism/Ableism:

  • People with disabilities have skills and strengths that are often overlooked. 
  • People with disabilities want to be productive, involved members of society, but are often prevented from doing so because of the negative attitudes of others.
  • Among the biggest barriers encountered by people with disabilities are the stereotypes and low expectations of nondisabled people.
  • When people with disabilities are included in activities and programs, everyone benefits.
  • All human beings have the potential to adapt to a wide variety of conditions – many people with disabilities have harnessed this power to the utmost.
  • If you're an employer looking to hire workers that are creative and adaptive, hire people with disabilities.
  • Make sure your workplace diversity program includes people with disabilities -- if you're not sure how to accomplish this, ask us!

Today is Blogging Against Disablism Day. What we generally call "ableism" or "ableism" in the US is sometimes referred to as "disablism" in the UK and elsewhere. Here is an extraordinarily good post from a UK disability activist whose blog is called a Diary of a Goldfish: http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/. Highly recommended.