The concept of ableism
has been around for some time. Universal
design, laws and advocates have made progress in eliminating all different
types of discrimination. We have made progress but the world is still
predominantly designed for what we continue to consider the typically abled. It
is time to move beyond these perceptions. Believing that we could
possibly describe the “typically abled” has to be made problematic...there could be no such thing. We limit others in our world and even those we
have not met yet by our own views and preconceived ideas. Part of
making changes has to come with re-evaluating our views and practices which can
lead to both intended and unintended consequences, some of which may be
unnoticed by us and others. These consequences impact people in ways we may not
see, recognize or understand. Thomas
Hehir has written several pieces on this very issue. There is a link to one of
his articles below along with some additional resources. Eliminating ableism
requires us to address this in schools as part of the embedded curriculum and
overall school culture. Inclusive practices must begin with inclusive
thoughts which become a natural part of the way we perceive and view the world.
Eliminating Ableism in Education
by Thomas Hehir: http://rtcudl.edublogs.org/files/2010/01/Eliminating-Ableism-in-Education.pdf
Stop Ableism: Stop Ableism
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