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January 2021 Working Definition of Ableism

1/1/2021

7 Comments

 
Picture
Deep purple and blue gradient background with the following words: ABLEISM a·ble·ism \ ˈābə-ˌli-zəm \ noun A system that places value on people’s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normality, intelligence, excellence, desirability, and productivity. These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in anti-Blackness, eugenics, misogyny, colonialism, imperialism and capitalism. This form of systemic oppression leads to people and society determining who is valuable and worthy based on a person’s language, appearance, religion and/or their ability to satisfactorily [re]produce, excel and "behave." You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism. a working definition by Talila "TL" Lewis*; updated January 2021 *developed in community with Disabled Black and other negatively racialized people, especially Dustin Gibson

I have been updating this
working definition of ableism for some years. This version simplifies some of the language from previous versions and explicitly includes desirability, misogyny, imperialism, language and religion as ideologies/characteristics used by societies, institutions, people to assign value to others. Please review context provided with the previous versions of the definition (linked above).
7 Comments
Wendy Priesnitz
1/30/2021 03:36:01 pm

Ageism should be included in this group of isms. Both the young and the old are discriminated against based on their perceived lack of physical or mental ability.

Reply
Cody Mathis
3/22/2022 08:18:02 am

Can I post this on my LinkedIn page, giving credit to you and citing this webpage?? Thank you for considering my request!

Reply
Talila Lewis
3/22/2022 02:06:13 pm

Greetings, you are welcome to post the definition but please use the updated 2022 version, which my most recent blog post.

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katie
7/11/2022 06:31:33 am

Could you explain and elaborate on "You don't have to be disabled to experience ableism"?

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Nick C
9/7/2022 09:56:12 am

Someone might think you are disabled and discriminate against you because of that.

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Patrick Curry link
10/21/2022 06:44:14 am

Help system good so party these where.
Piece despite near single leader. Become plan minute increase full skin stock. Court nothing value her.

Reply
Michael Gilbert link
10/30/2022 05:46:31 am

Type wide effort report growth. Check model figure fact all. Might interest think.
Happy itself usually real. Nor tend garden give rest. Read vote message at budget alone often.

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    I dream incessantly of justice. Hoping to calm my mind & stir yours through this freedom space.

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"We know that those who came before us dreamed of things that no one thought could exist. We honor them by continuing to dream—by finding new ways to advance the rights that they gave their lives for."
Talila A. Lewis, Keynote excerpt, 2016 MLK Day Minnesota Statewide Celebration Keynote