Anti-ableism
Ableism reflects systemic biases that devalue individuals with impairments, diverse abilities, and neurodiversity by prioritizing non-disabled perspectives as the norm. These inequities are embedded in societal structures that create barriers and reinforce exclusion. At UM, addressing ableism demands a commitment to rethinking and transforming policies, practices, and systems to foster equity and inclusion for all.
institutional action and accountability Dismantling ableism and promoting equity for disabled persons
"Dismantling Ableism for Persons with Disabilities" Project
In 2023, the University of Manitoba received a Robbins-Ollivier Award for Excellence in Equity for the project entitled, "Dismantling Ableism for Persons with Disabilities: Institutional Action and Accountability". The project's focus was to identify and address systemic ableism embedded in institutional policies, practices, and functions, ensuring that disabled persons were centered in driving meaningful change.
The project's objectives were achieved through:
- The administration of the Dismantling Ableism: Institutional Action and Accountability Survey (DAS) to better understand the diversity within and amongst disabled people at UM, and develop organizational structures that will promote equity for persons with disabilities at UM; and
- The development of a Comprehensive Equity Impact Assessment Tool and supporting resources for coordinated and consistent institutional policy reviews that center anti-ableism.
Anti-ableism survey results
The Dismantling Ableism Survey (DAS) offers insights into the experiences and barriers faced by students, staff, and faculty at UM. It includes data on accommodations, inequities, mental health impacts, and the unique experiences of individuals with diverse identities and less noticeable disabilities. Qualitative results provide deeper context, shedding light on systemic issues and opportunities for institutional change.
Understanding Ableism
Education plays a transformative role in dismantling systemic barriers and building inclusive communities. To truly address ableism - the discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities - it is essential to understand how it intersects with other systems of oppression, such as racism, sexism, ageism, and classism.