Education, like many of our social structures, is in a period of reckoning as it strives to become more equitable. Our educational institutions — both K-12 and higher education — have received calls to action to become more inclusive, amplify marginalized perspectives, and address historical biases against many in our community.
Ableism is one of these systemic barriers to inclusion, one that focuses on giving rights and privileges to people without disabilities over disabled people. For far too long, policies and practices have left disabled people out of the opportunities that lead to independence and quality of life.
I want to raise awareness of where ableism exists in our systems. Ableist views are often hidden, and are even internalized by those of us who are disabled.
Thus the new hashtag: #AbleismInEducation.
You will see topics related to ableism and paths toward dismantling it as the heart of many of my presentations, writing, and messages this year. We have to keep reminding people that it’s not just an issue of making sure that disabled people are in our classrooms, but that we have an ethical responsibility to ensure full accessibility for all students, faculty, staff, and families and caregivers.