Disablism and ableism
Disablism and ableism are words that are used to describe disability discrimination and prejudice. A bit like sexism and racism are used to describe discrimination against women and different ethnic groups.
Definitions
Disablism
Disablism is discrimination or prejudice against disabled people.
“An organisation has a problem with disablism”.
“A disablist attitude”.
Ableism
Ableism is discrimination in favour of non-disabled people.
“An organisation has a problem with ableism”.
“An ableist attitude”.
The difference between disablism and ableism
Both terms describe disability discrimination, but the emphasis is different.
Disablism emphasises discrimination against disabled people.
Ableism emphasises discrimination in favour of non-disabled people.
Should I say disablism or ableism?
Different people prefer to use one or other term. Or it might depend on which aspect of discrimination you want to emphasise.
Neither is considered wrong and they can be used interchangeably.
Examples
Discrimination can take many forms. Here are some examples:
- no ramp to help a wheelchair user get on to a train
- having steps instead of a ramp to access a shop
- making assumptions about what a disabled person can or cannot do
- not making reasonable adjustments at work
Advice and support
Find out what you can do to challenge discrimination in the workplace.
Or speak to others and share experiences on the Scope community.