Ableism in Schools

BSD Equity Community Workshop Series

​

February 8, 2024

Ground Rules

• We invite you to participate.
• For online participants please mute mics when not speaking.
• Use chat for questions and encouragements.
• Engage in respectful dialogue.

Agenda:

1. Eva’s Story

​

• Ableism - terms and definitions

​

• How does ableism show up in schools?

​

• Practices that challenge ableism

​

• Restorative Circle

​

Eva’s Story

...and how does it show up in schools?

What is Ableism?

What is Ableism?

Ableism is a type of discrimination that can take many forms and is rooted in the idea that disability is bad with a negative stigma.

Some examples of ableism include......

• Lack of accommodations
• Deficit thinking
• Misunderstanding or making assumptions
• Viewing people with disabilities with pity, contempt and/or fear
• Bullying and Harassment
• Staring, teasing, laughing, pointing
• Casual use of the R-word
• Infantalism
• Avoiding interacting with people with disabilities

Avoid Ableist Language!

Some Terms and Definitions

Inclusion: Making sure everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of

e their abilities and desires.

Accessibility - gives all people the same access to educational experiences, services, and information, whether a person has a disability or not

Accommodations- an alteration of environment, curriculum format, or equipment that allows an individual with a disability to gain access to content and/or complete assigned tasks.

Modifications - a change in what is being taught to or expected from the student. Making the assignment easier so the student is not doing the same level of work as other students is an example of a modification.

​

​

​

​

Important Understandings:

Combating ableism benefits ALL people.

​

Examples of accessibility and inclusion in school:

• There is a chill zone at the back of the classroom for any student to use when needed.
• There are fidget and sensory tools, wobble cushions, a balance board, books, stuffies, a weighted blanket, ear defenders (headphones), etc. always available.
• Movement breaks are incorporated into the classroom lessons, they are a regular part of the classroom culture.
• Every lesson has components which teach to different learning styles.
• Efforts are made to incorporate every student’s needs into the class activities.

​

Important Understandings:

Students with disabilities have a legal right to a “free and appropriate” public education.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

More action Steps you can take to combat ableism:

• Prioritize inclusion
• Create systems of support for accessibility
• Provide modifications and accommodations to learners
• Ask before you help
• Ask people what terminology they prefer - people first language or identify first language?
• Think twice before using an accessibility resource ie. stall, ramp, parking spot
• Stop bullying and harassment
• Pre-teach for prevention
• Speak up and report when you witness it

​

Let’s talk about combating ableism!

​

1. What is your name and what is your connection to the school?

2) What resonated with you from this presentation?

3) What do you see as next steps to combat ableism in BSD?

​

​

​

“This is good discussion to have with teachers but this is even more important to do this with students and also to do it often and do it early.” - Eva Edwards Stoll

What is ableism? - Slideshow Presentation for Students

​

Diverse-abilities Slideshow

​