What can be done?
How Are People Helping?
Ableism has seen significant progress over time due to changing societal attitudes, legal reforms, and efforts of advocacy groups and individuals committed to promoting inclusion and equal rights for people with disabilities. An effort that was made was accessibility and coming up with ways to make public places more accessible for all. There has been an increase in the accessibility of public spaces, buildings, transportation, and technology. The introduction and development of ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistive technologies have made it easier for people with disabilities to participate in everyday activities. The public became way more aware and understanding of people with disabilities. Disability rights advocacy helped increase the representation of people with disabilities in media and person. Educational efforts have helped challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. More people are recognizing the capabilities and potential of individuals with disabilities. Education became more exclusive and open to accommodating the needs of all students, whether they had a disability or not. Students with disabilities work alongside non-disabled peers who are there in the class to meet the child's needs. More employment opportunities have been created and opened up to people with disabilities. Employers have become more inclusive and open to hiring individuals with disabilities. Several initiatives, including workplace accommodations and diversity and inclusion programs aim to create equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
WHAT ARE 5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP?
1: Raise awareness about ableism and its impact on people with disabilities. Educate yourself and others about the diverse experiences of people with disabilities and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
2: Foster inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities. Ensure accessibility in physical spaces, communication, and technology to accommodate diverse needs.
3:Center the voices and experiences of people with disabilities in discussions about ableism and disability rights. Listen to their perspectives and support their leadership in advocacy efforts.
4:Stay informed about issues related to disability rights and inclusion. Engage in ongoing learning and self-reflection to continually challenge and unlearn ableist beliefs and behaviors.
5: Advocate for greater representation of people with disabilities in media, literature, and other forms of cultural representation. Representation helps combat stereotypes and promotes empathy and understanding.
What have I done?
Ableism speaks out to me because I have seen it happen right in front of me. My aunt teaches kids with special needs in the Boston Public Schools. I have worked alongside students with disabilities and special needs, which has led me to develop a strong passion for helping kids with disabilities succeed, even if people may doubt them or look down on them. I have been volunteering this year at the Mozart School in Roslindale, working with kids in the K2 inclusion classroom. I have been learning the importance of communication boards and how they can help children succeed and grow.
I have been working with teachers and a speech therapist at the school to support the Core Words of the Month program, which helps support our non-speaking/minimally-speaking students to practice and use their communication books or devices. These students need consistent modeling and practice opportunities to practice functional communication skills on their books/devices.
Core Words of the Month helps focus on a few core words a month and practice them during many opportunities throughout the day so that practice opportunities feel less overwhelming for students. They are words that generally do not change and can be used across environments and activities.
