Understanding & Confronting Ableism Accessibility & Inclusion Ministry Webinars Feb. 25 & March 4, 2019 Guest: Dr. Terri Thrower Facilitator: Rev. Helen McFadyen

Guest Speaker: Dr. Terri Thrower Facilitator: Rev. Helen McFadyen Administrator- Accessibility & Inclusion Ministry (AIM) Program

What is Ableism??? ABLEISM:

Ableism: Includes practices and dominant attitudes in society that devalue and limit the potential of persons with disabilities Encompasses practices and beliefs that assign inferior value (worth) to people who have developmental, emotional, physical or psychiatric disabilities, as well as hidden or invisible disabilities. (www.stopableism.org) Leads to the discrimination against disabled people in favor of those who are “able-bodied.” Like racism or sexism, ableism occurs on the individual level (microaggressions), as well as at the structural level (macroagressions). Ableism can become internalized from an early age, as ableist assumptions take root in us and we begin to believe them to be true

Ability Privilege (or able-bodied privilege) Becoming aware of privilege should not be viewed as a burden or source of guilt, but rather, an opportunity to learn and be responsible so that we may work toward a more just and inclusive world. (from University of San Francisco)

Ability Privilege (of able-bodied Privilege) Privilege is usually something we are born with—an unearned status—given to us by our society. Able-bodied privilege is an advantage people gain simply because they are not limited by physical or mental impairments. Sometimes able-bodied people perceive themselves as ''normal,'' and presume that everyone has the same opportunities, abilities and access. Privilege differs from ableism because one can have certain ability privileges and not discriminate against others with disabilities.

Group Discussion Question: Speaking from personal experience, describe an example/situation when you were consciously aware of your “ability privilege” or lack thereof.

A System of Oppression which Hurts All Kyriarchy: a term that extends all ‘isms’ and hierarchies of privilege to encompass and connect to other structures of oppression and privilege, such as racism, ableism, capitalism, etc. - Coined by Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, a radical feminist who studies liberation theology. Describes interconnected systems of power, privilege, and oppression as structural

How Ableism Presents Itself Socially & Culturally Stella Young on “Inspiration Porn” (excerpt from TED Talk “I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much” – TED Sydney, April 2014) https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much?language=en&ut m_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Microaggressions & Macroaggressions Microaggressions: Commonplace verbal or behavioral indignities, intentional or unintentional, which communicate derogatory, or negative slights and insults in relation to visible or invisible disability. They are structurally based and invoke oppressive systems of a "normal ability" hierarchy. Using the accessible restroom stall when you are physically capable of using the non-accessible stalls without pain or risk of injury. Saying “I don’t even think of you as disabled” Saying, “I’m sorry” to a disabled person in a public space, even when no wrong was committed Macroagressions: overt discrimination Narrow store aisles, or placing displays in store aisles blocking access Creating websites that are inaccessible to people who use screen readers Spending tens of thousands of dollars to modify a building for a new business, but not adding a ramp for the single step into the building.

Break-out Groups Speaking from personal experience, list examples of a microagression and of a macroagression that you’ve observed A) in your church community, and B) within intimate circles such as your family or favorite social/recreational group.

Internalized Ableism Definitions and discussion Internalized oppression is a concept in social justice in which an oppressed group comes to use against itself the methods of the oppressor. Internalized oppression occurs when one group of people recognizes a distinct inequality of value compared to another group of people and, as a result, desires to be like the more highly valued group. Internalized ableism occurs through taking on ableist practices. Familiar examples may be “passing” for able-bodied, “overcoming,” and being a “supercrip” How is internalized ableism detrimental?

Challenging Ableism Self advocacy and self-care Affirmative disability identity Social justice and disability rights activism Disability arts/culture and disability pride

Break-out Groups Brainstorm and list specific ways we are, or could challenge ableism in our Unitarian Universalist communities (church, programs, groups, associations etc.).

Q & A and Wrap up