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Able-bodism for Dummies

noun


What does Able-bodism really mean?

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Able-bodism is a term that helps us understand how our society tends to prioritize and value people who have typical physical and mental abilities, while overlooking or even discriminating against those who have disabilities. To put it simply, it refers to the belief that people with disabilities are inferior or less capable than those without disabilities, creating a kind of prejudice or bias based solely on a person's abilities.

Imagine if we were all cars. Some might be shiny, brand new, and running smoothly, while others might need a little extra care and attention. Well, able-bodism is like when we only admire and value those shiny, brand new cars, and forget about the ones that need a little more care. We might even start to think that the older cars are not worth as much or not as good as the new ones, which isn't fair at all.

When we talk about able-bodism, we're not just looking at the beliefs or attitudes that people might have, but also at the actions and structures in our society that can make life more challenging for people with disabilities. For example, think about a school building that doesn't have ramps or elevators for students who use wheelchairs - this physical barrier is a result of able-bodism. Or imagine a job application that only focuses on physical abilities, leaving out the skills and qualifications of someone with a disability - that's another example of able-bodism in action.

But understanding able-bodism goes beyond just recognizing the problem - it's about taking action to change it. Just like we wouldn't discriminate against a car that needs a little extra care, we shouldn't discriminate against people who have disabilities. We should value and appreciate everyone for who they are and what they can contribute, regardless of their abilities.

So, in a nutshell, able-bodism means treating people with disabilities unfairly or seeing them as less valuable because of their abilities. It's about recognizing and challenging the biases and barriers that exist in our society, so that everyone can be included, respected, and given equal opportunities.


Revised and Fact checked by Alex Johnson on 2023-11-06 02:10:40

Able-bodism In a sentece

Learn how to use Able-bodism inside a sentece

  • Example: A teacher might say that a person with a wheelchair cannot participate in a game because they are not able to run fast like others. This is a form of able-bodism.
  • Example: An employer might refuse to hire a person with a disability because they think they cannot do the job as well as someone without a disability. This is another example of able-bodism.
  • Example: A student might make fun of another student with a physical disability because they think they are less capable or different. This behavior shows able-bodism.
  • Example: A person without a disability may use a parking space reserved for people with disabilities simply because they feel entitled to it. This is a form of able-bodism as it disrespects the needs of others.
  • Example: A restaurant refusing to make necessary accommodations for a customer with a hearing impairment, such as providing written menus or offering sign language interpretation, is an act of able-bodism.

Able-bodism Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Able-bodism Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.