We shouldn't need to create a graphic on how to respond when you meet a Disabled person. But sadly, the reality is that most people feel fear, act differently, or say something ableist when we share with them. So following our Monday graphic, "Don't let your interaction be ableist. Please don’t", we created today's to follow on from this. Reach out today to learn how Unlearning Ableism's training and workshops can help your organisation. info@unlearningableism.com Image Description: An Unlearning Ableism graphic. The title reads, “Someone self-identified, what should I do?” Below are 12 statements and circles accompanied by text and a piece of stick person clipart, they read: 1. Thank them – a person with their hands clapped together. 2. Don’t assume – a person assuming. 3. Don’t correct their language – a person drawing a tick. 4. Be respectful – a person letting a person using a walking aid past. 5. Don’t ask what happened – a person looking uncomfortable as another asks a question. 6. Don’t say they can’t be – a person judging another walking past using a cane. 7. Ask preferred communication – two people using two cups on a piece of string as phones. 8. Be patient – a person with their hand on their hip. 9. Be flexible – a person doing the splits across two blocks. 10. Ask if they have access needs – a person asking another a question. 11. Treat them as a person – two people fist-pumping each other. 12. Be open – a person speaking to a wheelchair user. #WednesdayWisdom #DisabilityInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #UnlearningAbleism
Raising a disabled daughter, so much of this resonated with our experience. And she is still a child. She is nonverbal and in a wheelchair, has seizures daily and is severely delayed. I sometimes dread how much less kind the world will be when she is an adult. I worked with developmentally disabled adults for years and I was appalled at the things people would say to them and how people would stare and whisper. I would always say something, because I know no other way than being straight up and direct. And now I do this for my own child, and will for the rest of my years on this earth. But who will do this for her when I am gone? We need to world to catch up and quit making excuses for ignorance. Thanks for these posts! 💜
Jodie 💜 Greer
5mo
I love this! Although I also really laughed at the “be flexible” graphic 🤣 Image is a stick figure doing the splits with each foot on a raised platform.
Améliane F. C.
5mo
The thing that annoys me most when speaking to people for the first time is when they correct me on language that I prefer when discussing about myself. No, I don't have "special abilities". Or maybe I do in some ways, but that's not how I identify so leave me alone 😂
Caroline Schwim
5mo
"We shouldn't need to create a graphic..." Unlearning Ableism is this perhaps not the best first line of text and tone if you are trying to educate? Are you alienating your learners and making them feel bad for not knowing this already? There is so much teaching and learning that shouldn't need to happen in organizations (for example, all of EDI and especially anti-harassment!) But in order to improve on and undo problematic societal conditioning and ignorance, we have to share and teach. I see lots of self-identified folks in this thread connecting with the frustration that this information is not better known. I love that you have allowed them that space. But given your page's intent is to educate, who is your audience here? Is there a way you could encourage those who self-identify to share their stories (which are a powerful part of this post's teaching potential) without disheartening open-minded learners?
I have several work meetings with leaders who I've met for the first time have asked "what happened to your eye" - it's like my least favourite question in the world and there is so much more about me! Yes, you shouldn't have to put this graphic together but sometimes there are incredible gaps in awareness that must be bridged! Thank you for sharing!
Last year I was working on a nonprofit for senior citizens to volunteer. Many of them have disabilities but are still able-bodied or able to do things at a desk. There are so many statistics about how much this helps this group and even extends their lifespan. Unfortunately people don't want to deal with disabilities let alone people over 55 with disabilities, so they are often intentionally overlooked or dismissed.
It's disheartening that we still need resources like this. Your post highlights a crucial issue: the need for greater understanding and respect for individuals with disabilities. Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness and provide valuable resources. #AbleismAwareness #InclusionMatters
I’d like to add one I hear often which is really not great …”oh I wish I had your condition (Narcolepsy) then I’d be able to sleep anywhere!” Yes, because sleeping during business meetings bodes well for ones career trajectory and apart from Winston Churchill, I’m not aware of many other leaders that schedule mid afternoon naps.
KATHY POWERS
5mo
Somehow this feels wrong. IDKY.
DISTINCTION grade certified in PR & Communications | Disabled Campaigner, Public Speaker, Disability Motivator | Community Engagement and Drama Facilitator | Drama and Acting 🎭🔊♿💜
5mo4 seats were taken in the disabled/elderly access seats of a bus. An elderly lady walked on slowly clearly needing a seat. I crashed on dialysis and felt really unwell, so I was seated in 1 of 4 seats. For some reason she skipped the 2 front seats and came straight to me asking me to give her my seat. I can only assume I "looked" the youngest? I don't know frankly. I said I'm sorry I have a disability I'm not well can you ask one of the others please? Her answer was "are you sure you're disabled?" Looking me up and down. If I were well enough I would probably have a lot to answer to her for her utter ignorance. I simply said "yes I'm quite sure".