THE SILENT D IN DIVERSITY
DISABILITY
5 Ways to Become an Effective Ally
Engage with websites like this one to learn about different models of disability. Learn about the history of the disability rights movement, disability culture, disability etiquette, ableism, accessibility, etc.
Educate Yourself
Amplify The Voices of Individuals with Disabilities
This website provides a few of the thousands of disability advocates, influencers, and creators. Follow their accounts, read their books, listen to their products, etc. Disability culture is rich and should be appreciated. Also, the key to understanding lived experiences of people with disabilities is to engage with disabled individuals.
Respect and Listen to the Lived Experiences of Disabled Individuals
Effective allies to the disability community are good listeners and observers. When they engage with a disabled individual they truly want to know the individual and learn about their lived experience. They also understand that every disabled person’s disability affects them differently (even two individuals with the same disability). They don’t assume a disabled person is capable or incapable of certain tasks until it’s shown that the individual cannot. Instead, allies listen to their disabled friends/peers to understand how they can best support them.
Consider accessibility in everything you do. Whether you are creating a video for a class or hosting a party think about the accessibility of the tasks you undertake. If you find that you are carrying out inaccessible tasks then troubleshoot ways to live a more accessible life.
Promote Accessibility and Inclusion
Avoid viewing disabled individuals as inspiration porn (the portrayal of people with disabilities as being inspirational to able-bodied people). It’s insulting to praise disabled individuals for completing mundane tasks simply because these tasks may be more challenging for disabled individuals to complete. Also, address your internalized ableism and remove ableist language from your vocabulary. A fundamental step toward allyship is unlearning these ableist terms and replacing them with unproblematic words. If you hear someone behaving in ablest manner then educate them about why their behavior is hurtful and problematic.