ableism

Ableism is a system of beliefs, practices, and institutions that devalue people with disabilities and treat nondisabled people as superior. It operates through attitudes, stereotypes, and policies that exclude or disadvantage those with impairments. Ableism can be overt prejudice or subtle bias and assumptions about what people with disabilities can or cannot do.

Forms of ableism include individual and structural aspects. Individual ableism involves negative judgments, pity, ridicule, or blame directed at people with disabilities. Structural and institutional ableism encompasses barriers in education, employment, housing, transportation, healthcare, and public services, as well as inaccessible design and insufficient accommodations. Language use and media representation can reinforce ableist norms, shaping how society perceives disability.

The concept is often discussed in relation to the social model of disability, which argues that disability arises from barriers created by society rather than from impairment alone. The medical model focuses more on impairment itself. Many scholars and advocates favor approaches that remove barriers, promote inclusive design, and challenge stereotypes.

Impact includes reduced economic opportunities, poorer health outcomes, lower educational attainment, and social isolation for many disabled people. Ableism can intersect with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, and classism, leading to varied and compounded disadvantages.

Responses involve anti-discrimination laws, accessibility standards, and efforts toward universal design and inclusive practices. Disability-rights movements advocate for full participation and equal rights, while international frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and national laws (such as the Americans with Disabilities Act) aim to reduce barriers and promote inclusion.