Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior.  It feeds off of the common stereotype that people with disabilities need fixing or are defined by their disability.  It is important as educators that we put this -ism to rest within our classrooms.  This is a task that isn't going to happen overnight so here are somethings to look out for when you are teaching.

Ableist Acts:

• Not following disability rights laws or not providing reasonable accommodations for students

• Segregating students with disabilities (ie: putting them in separate schools or institutions or keeping them in the same classroom all day long)

• Using inaccessible buildings (buildings without things like braille or elevators) or websites (websites without closed captions or screen-reader capabilities)

• Inappropriate language use

Microaggressions of ableism:

Microaggressions are little things that people do that are ableist but seem to small to argue over, but it doesn't mean that they aren't wrong.

• Inspiration porn (click here for more information) 

• Casting a nondisabled actor to play a character with a disability

• Using an accessible stall in a restroom when you are able to use the non-accessible stall

• Talking to a person with a disability like they are a child

• Asking invasive questions about medical history or personal life to a person with a disability.

Language that is ableist:

• "That's so lame"

• "You are retarded"

• "I'm super OCD about things"

• "Are you off your meds?"

Again, it is crucial for educators to be knowledgeable of these things so when they are observed, we can put a stop to them.

Source: Ableism 101

Critical Disability Theory is an academic and political theory that analyzes and challenges traditional ideas about disability and able-bodied people.  The idea emerged in the 1970's, during the beginning of the disability rights movement.  People started to realize that people with disabilities were being mistreated and misrepresented.  Hence the need for Critical Disability Theory was born. The study is meant to focus on creating a more equitable society for all by challenging ableism, the act of discrimination and prejudice against people with minds and bodies considered abnormal by the dominant standards of society. 

Critical Disability Theory should be taught and executed by every educational professional.  By using this theory educators will be able to create a more inclusive environment for their students by providing more accessibility and academic accommodations. 

Source: Disability Theory

Studies have been trying to identify the effects of inclusive classroom on students with and without disabilities.  The researchers determined that results normally show positive or neutral outcomes.  When negative outcomes do occur it is often due to school-based factors such as inadequate teacher training, lack of administrative leadership and support, the effort that goes into monitoring or modifying instruction, Lack of cooperation from others, low expectations of students.  All of these factors are proven to be able gotten rid with changes from our educational system.  The study also shows that it is typical that students involved in inclusive programs have fewer prejudices have fewer prejudices about students with disabilities and increased acceptance, tolerance, and respect for individuals with disabilities.

Sources: Academic and Social Effects of Inclusion on Students without Disabilities

Having a disabiltiy is the only minority group that anyone can join at any point in their life.  It is possible that a person gets into an accident and loses one of their limbs and becomes an amputee or because of aging a persons vision or hearing can decline.  That is just one reason why it is important to make sure this population has access to an equitable society in which they are able to function even with any limitations they may have.  

People trained in the special education field should be equipped to teach Job Skills.  Job skills are split up into two subcategories.  The first is Soft Skills, skills that are a combinations of people skills, social, skills, communication skills character or personality traits, attitudes, career attributes, social intelligence and emotional intelligence that enable people to navigate their environment, work well with others, perform well, and achieve their goals with completing hard skills.  The next subcategory is Hard Skills, skills that assist with job tasks such as reading and writing, math, use of technology, critical thinking, problem solving, and independence.  In a classroom both subcategories are normally taught coinsidengly but in different ways.  Soft skills can be taught by role playing, social stories, simulations, and group projects.  On the other hand hard skills are often. taught through worksheets, teaching modules like presentations or direct instruction, or online tutorials.  It is important that before any teaching is done, the teacher performs an evaluation of the students skills they already have.  It is important to take into account a students strengths in order to build off of them to obtain more skills.  Then after the evaluation a teacher may begin using the teaching tactics listed above to teach soft and hard skills.  The teacher must remember to teach interactively in a variety of ways to accommodate for all of the different learning styles they will come into contact with.

Source: Transition talks: Employment Soft Skills and Teaching Job Skills to Students with Disabilities

Life skills are skills needed to succeed in the school, home and community.  Examples of these skills can be, dressing skills, health and hygiene skills, mealtime skills, ability to do chores, safety skills, routine skills, interpersonal skills, transportation and directional skills, and self advocacy skills.  Some students may struggle with these skills and it is important as educators we take time to teach things even if they may be unconventional for the learning environment.  

Sources: Life Skills Checklists