Am I really your inspiration?
Prejudgements: if you haven’t read the last blog, don’t read that one, read this one first. Why do you ask “Read this over that?” Because it will give you context and perspective.
What is the definition of Ableism?
I’m not going to rewrite the definition, it’s all here, there is no point in doing this. I feel you will get a better understanding by reading on.
Urban Dictionary: “Ableism is the discrimination or prejudice against people who have disabilities. Ableism can take the form of ideas and assumptions, stereotypes, attitudes and practices, physical barriers in the environment, or larger-scale oppression. It is oftentimes unintentional and most people are completely unaware of the impact of their words or actions.”
Examples of ableism
Examples of ableism range from blatant hostility and aggression to less obvious everyday interactions. Some examples of these include:
asking someone what is “wrong” with them
viewing a person with a disability as inspirational for doing typical things, such as having a career
On a larger scale, some examples of ableism include:
Ableist language: There are many examples of ableism in everyday language. Terms such as “dumb” and “lame” were originally used to describe disabilities, but today, people use them as synonyms for “stupid” or “bad.” People also misuse words in a way that trivializes conditions. For example, a person may say, “I am so OCD.”
Inaccessible design: Designing buildings, public spaces, products, and technology that only caters to nondisabled people is an example of ableism. This includes websites that have no text enlargement feature, buildings that have no ramp for wheelchairs, and sidewalks with obstacles that make walking more difficult.
Education discrimination: Schools refusing to make disability accommodations, failing to understand a disability, or trying to “teach” a child not to have their impairment are all examples of ableism in education. For example, a teacher might punish a child for their dyslexia rather than adapt how they teach.
Employment discrimination: Employers may be biased against those with disabilities, believing they make less productive workers. They may also refuse disability accommodations to existing employees or allow workplace bullying to go unpunished.
What am I getting at with all these definitions/examples, you were getting a little bit sick of the repetition weren’t you…?
On this site, the title is that way for a reason. Here’s why.
I’ve been speaking about my experiences for almost a decade and yet it always has been around what I’ve done like kokoda or the4points.org ride around Australia.
I was also speaking while traveling, riding, talking to audiences, or having conversations in the caravans or pubs. I was talking about stroke, raising funds for the stroke foundation, and promoting inclusion by getting people to ride with me. A common theme during a conversation with people was ‘You’re such an inspiration’ or something similar, now that’s fine I don’t mind that. What I did mind was whether they’d said those words before or after I’d said MY words, CONTEXT is everything!
You need to get the story before peppering that word ‘INSPIRATION’, that is objectifying, infantilising.
This is a point of view from someone who shares his story with an audience to highlight that Stroke can happen at any age or getting the message of inclusion out there, it was all for the cause.
Whereas talking to a person living with a disability or a disabled person (depending how the individual prefers), think first, hear from their experiences, get their context, IF they want to tell it.
Personally, I’d much prefer a chat around nothing in particular, human to human an actual, meaningful conversation. the conversation around the person’s impairments might just come up in NATURAL conversation, shocking I know.
I’ll leave you with this, my take, don’t assume, don’t assume the person can’t do something, bring an open mind.
Ask for the context in the right time, and place, naturally.
P.S. For your interest.
