Disablism and ableism
Disablism and ableism are words that are used to describe disability discrimination and prejudice. A bit like sexism and racism are used to describe discrimination against men or women and different ethnic groups.
Definitions
Disablism
Disablism is discrimination or prejudice against disabled people.
“An organisation has a problem with disablism”.
“A disablist attitude”.
Ableism
Ableism is discrimination in favour of non-disabled people.
“An organisation has a problem with ableism”.
“An ableist attitude”.
The difference between disablism and ableism
Both terms describe disability discrimination, but the emphasis is different.
Disablism emphasises discrimination against disabled people.
Ableism emphasises discrimination in favour of non-disabled people.
Should I say disablism or ableism?
Different people prefer to use one or other term. Or it might depend on which aspect of discrimination you want to emphasise.
Neither is considered wrong and they can be used interchangeably.
Examples
Discrimination can take many forms. Here are some examples:
- no ramp to help a wheelchair user get on to a train
- having steps instead of a ramp to access a shop
- making assumptions about what a disabled person can or cannot do
- not making reasonable adjustments at work
Advice and support
Find out more about disability discrimination at work, in rented housing, in public and private services and when claiming benefits.
If you experience disability hate crime, there are several ways you can report it.
Recognising and reporting disability hate crime
Or speak to others and share experiences on the Scope community.