Ableism Overview: Definition, Types, and Examples

Ableism is a form of discrimination against people with disabilities, which favors those with typical abilities. Ableist thought and action may take many forms, as disabilities themselves can be physical, intellectual, or psychiatric. Whether ableism is intentional or unintentional, it involves treating a group of people as “less than” because of their disabilities.

There are myriad ways to engage in ableist behavior, but here are some common types of discrimination that people with disabilities encounter:

1. 1. Microaggressions: Microaggressions are seemingly small but hurtful words and actions that people may deploy without much thought. Using a microaggression may demonstrate a misunderstanding or biased view of someone’s physical disability or mental health; the end result may diminish and alienate the person with the disability.
2. 2. Lack of accommodation: Failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act or, more generally, disregarding disability rights is another form of ableism. It denies people with disabilities the same civil rights and access to systems and institutions that people without disabilities receive.
3. 3. Adhering to the medical model of disability: The medical model of disability views the disability as a physical or mental limitation or consequence of a health condition. This form of ableism may lead people without disabilities to define a person by their disability. Conversely, the social model of disability places someone’s disability within the context of systems and assumptions that may use them as a basis for discrimination and exclusion. In other words, the social model focuses on identifying the social and systemic barriers that foster exclusion.

Here are some common examples of ableism:

1. 1. Ableist language: Ableist speech includes terms that put the disability first, like “disabled people” rather than “people with disabilities.” Ableist speech may minimize someone’s disability. For example, the everyday use of “OCD” to mean “picky” or “particular” rather than acknowledging obsessive-compulsive disorder as a serious medical condition can be viewed as ableist.
2. 2. ADA-noncompliant buildings: It is illegal for residential and commercial buildings to overlook necessary accommodations, like accessible parking spaces, ramps, and braille signage. The lack of accommodations may send a negative message to people with disabilities.
3. 3. Media representation: Movies and TV shows that treat characters with disabilities either as inspirational or victims may reinforce assumptions that people with disabilities are somehow different from others without disabilities. Similarly, when an actor without disabilities plays a character with a disability, it can deny an employment opportunity to actors with disabilities and exclude people within the group from the conversation.

The overall effects of ableism are exclusion and alienation, which can have numerous real-world impacts. On an individual level, ableism may lead to mental health problems for people with disabilities and potentially foster the sense that they don’t belong or aren’t wanted.

Additionally, disability discrimination makes it harder for people with disabilities to find work (or receive the same pay rate as people without disabilities), receive an adequate education, and obtain medical treatment that respects their dignity as patients.

Fighting ableism is an essential tenet of social justice and requires work both individually and on the social level to increase inclusivity. Here are some ways to get started:

1. 1. Question any assumptions. Not all disabilities are visible, and people will have different feelings about discussing their disabilities with others. Think empathetically and avoid asking personal questions and making assumptions about someone based on how they look or on accommodations they may need, like a cane or a wheelchair.
2. 2. Learn about ableism and its effects. One of the best ways to combat ableism is to learn about its history by reading essays or books written by people with disabilities and in the field of disability studies.
3. 3. Take action to foster inclusivity. A great way to practice good allyship is to ask for accommodation and inclusion from the institutions you participate in, from the local government to the workplace. The disability community often gets shut out of negotiations or planning, so people without disabilities should try to partner with others to ensure decision-makers hear the voices of the affected community.

Practicing empathy can help you lead more effectively while building stronger relationships across the personal and professional facets of your life. Challenge your perceptions with the MasterClass Annual Membership and take lessons on emotional intelligence from Pharrell Williams, Roxane Gay, Gloria Steinem, Dr. Cornel West, Walter Mosley, Robert Reffkin, and Robin Arzón.