Disability Discrimination the Same As Ableism
Many people don’t realize that they are engaging in ableism when they make comments or act in ways that demean or devalue people with disabilities. They may think they are being funny or innocent, but the negative impact of those comments or actions can take a serious toll on the disabled person receiving them. In addition, ableism often operates at systemic levels in the form of laws, policies, and structures that discriminate against people with disabilities. This can include things like making it hard for them to get a job, access public transportation, or live in their own homes.
The term ableism can feel overused, and at times it can add confusion or dissension to disability discourse. However, ableism is a critical concept to understand and address. Ableism is prejudice, bias and discrimination that assumes that differences in ability are not a natural part of human life and that those differences should be treated as a problem to be solved. This can be based on fear, ignorance or misunderstanding, and it can be unconscious or deliberate.
Often, it is rooted in the belief that being nondisabled is ideal and that those with disability discrimination should be cured or otherwise eliminated. This is a view that is closely tied to the practice of eugenics, which was widely popular in some places less than 100 years ago. It is also based on the assumption that a person with a disability will have a lower quality of life and that their lives are a burden to society.
Is Disability Discrimination the Same As Ableism?
In the context of workplace discrimination, ableism is the reason why many people with disabilities do not receive accommodations or other modifications that would enable them to perform their jobs. The federal ADA and the New York State and city laws on disability discrimination are designed to prohibit this type of discrimination. However, not all disabilities are covered by these laws. People with disabilities who believe they have been discriminated against should consult an attorney or visit the website for the agency in charge of enforcing the laws.
One way to fight ableism is to work to make sure that disabled people are at the table when decisions are being made. This can be as simple as ensuring that meetings are accessible in terms of location, communication formats, and the physical structure of the meeting space. People with disabilities can become frustrated when they are not included or have their voice heard at a meeting.
People who have been discriminated against by someone because of their disability law should consider filing a lawsuit. Depending on the situation, this could be with the EEOC, the NYSHRL or NYCHRL or in district court. In some cases, a person who has been discriminated against might be eligible for compensation. To qualify for compensation, a person must show that they are an “individual with a disability” as defined by the law and that their employer failed to provide them with reasonable accommodations that allow them to do their job.
