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

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.

Project scope:

Diversity within and amongst people with disabilities

  • The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines persons with disabilities as those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. The range of disabilities include physical, sensory, cognitive, chronic health, mental health, visible and non-visible disabilities.
  • Ableism impacts all people with disability, but in different ways. Understanding of systemic barriers facing people with disabilities must be based in an appreciation of these different experiences.
  • Mapping out the complex ways ableism operates at UM and in the research ecosystem with disaggregated data.

Anti-ableism policy review–comprehensive equity impact analysis tools, resources and training

  • Equity impact assessment tools are emerging best practices in EDI because they ensure that equity is examined in a detailed and multi-dimensional way as part of decision-making for policy creation and review.
  • Development of a comprehensive equity impact assessment tool for coordinated and consistent implementation across the university of equity impact analysis, and to counter marginalization of people with disabilities in current tools that prioritizing race, Indigeneity, or gender.
  • Development of supporting resources and training necessary for use of the comprehensive equity impact assessment tool for transformative change.

Developing structures that promote equity for people with disabilities

  • Audit of existing units, programs and initiatives to promote equity for people with disabilities.
  • Develop recommendations on how – from an anti-ableist position – to restructure accessibility, accommodation, mental health, and other supports for people with disabilities for student, staff, faculty and the broader UM community.
  • Develop anti-ableism policy.

Past events

2023-24 public speaker series

Anti-ableism survey results

This section highlights key findings from the Dismantling Ableism Survey (DAS), offering 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.

Download the full Dismantling Ableism Survey report (PDF)

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