Fighting Against Ableism
The American Association of People with Disabilities has been conducting a campaign this year, encouraging candidates and the press to eliminate ableism in their actions and communications.
Awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities (PWD) are too often limited to the need for wheelchair ramps, trained teaching assistants, and subtitles or sign language interpreters. These needs are critical and must be addressed, though they are just the tip of the iceberg.
One harmful, cruel, and too-little recognized and addressed form of oppression is ableism. It is one of the strongest and most common forms of discrimination, with 3 of 4 people demonstrating an implicit bias for people without disabilities vs. PWD. One study found it more common than sexism and racism, as well as sexuality and weight bias. It was surpassed only by ageism.
Ableism consists of bias, prejudice, and discrimination against people with disabilities, reflecting the notion that they are “less than” others. Less competent, less able to contribute, less worthy. Ableism uses language or takes action under the assumption that being non-disabled is “normal” and ideal and that disabilities indicate weaknesses, imperfections, and problems that require repair or "fixing." Ableism can be more or less conscious, is often shared or learned, and can vary greatly depending on the nature, visibility, familiarity, and other aspects of a disability.
Ableism can range from bullying or violence to acting with condescension, patronization, or pity.
The first step we should all take to fight ableism and eliminate our own biases is to be aware and educated.
We hope you’ll join us over the coming year as we explore the facts, experiences, issues, and ideas that can inform our future journeys as “anti-ableists.”. Your input and participation in planning are welcomed.
What Is Ableism? Examples, Effects, and How to Overcome It (healthline.com)
Here's what to say and not to say when discussing disability : NPR
Fighting Ableism Is About Much More Than Attitudes And Awareness (forbes.com)
Read/Watch/Share
Watch John Oliver’s Funny/Infuriating Show on Disability Benefits
Disability Benefits: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) (youtube.com)
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More info on Social Security and Disability Benefits:
Wait times for Social Security disability benefit decisions reach new high (usafacts.org)
Social Security Maps Reveal Areas With Longest Waiting Times - Newsweek
Social Security Disability Claim Wait Times Soar (aarp.org)
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Know Your Rights - Voting and More
2024's Key ADA Amendments: Essential Updates - KNOW-THE-ADA
ADA Digital Accessibility Guidelines Update 2024 - KNOW-THE-ADA
HHS Finalizes Rule Strengthening Protections Against Disability Discrimination | HHS.gov
Comprehensive List of Disabilities Covered Under ADA | UpCounsel
GDC Updates and Requests
Website
We’ve finished the first phase of our website update and would love your input before we make additional changes. Please email us with your feedback and suggestions.
Democrats Abroad Accessibility Team
We need help building awareness of the need to improve accessibility in all of our DA activities and communications. From having a chair or two at voter registration tabling events to ensuring documents use at least 12p type, there are lots of ways to make members and potential members feel welcome and able to fully participate.
We’d love to find a few people interested in helping accomplish these goals and others. By updating and “jazzing up” our materials, making presentations, providing input or feedback, gathering info and articles, joining the Steering Committee, or being our liaison to other organizations or within DA, there are many ways you can help, based on your schedule. Drop a note to [email protected] and we’ll work together to find just the right way for you to join the team!