Ableism
Ableism refers to discrimination against people with (perceived) disabilities, which is often based on social norms such as productivity, beauty and health. These social norms create a divide between people with and without disabilities; this often happens unconsciously within the context of societal beliefs about “normality” or “well-intentioned” paternalism. Disabilities often arise when people lack support, or their needs are disregarded. Within institutions, this can manifest as the absence of ramps, acoustic announcements and information, and the failure to make educational settings accessible to individuals with disabilities. Such barriers exclude people with disabilities, reinforce their “invisibility” and thereby contribute to the perpetuation of the societal notion of “normality”.