July is Disability Pride Month. Disability Pride Month aims to honor the contributions of disabled people, promote inclusion and recognizes disability as a natural part of human diversity, not something to be ashamed of. It also aligns with the passage of the American with Disabilities Act in 1990, a civil rights victory of disabled Americans. Disability affects 1 in 4 Americans and can affect people at any stage of life.
There are physical disabilities including cerebral palsy and physical limitations due to a medical condition; intellectual/cognitive disabilities including developmental delays and neurodivergence; psychiatric disabilities including PTSD and depression; invisible disabilities including chronic fatigue syndrome and POTs; and sensory disabilities including hearing and vision impairments.
One of the themes that comes up a lot for people with disabilities is internalized ableism. Internalized ableism is when a person with a disability unconsciously absorbs society’s negative biases towards disability and turn them inward. Individuals can view their limitations as personal failures or sources of shame. It is a response to living in a world that treats able bodied and neurotypical people as superior.
What does internalized ableism look like? A lot of times it comes across as minimizing the impact of one’s difficulties. Sometimes people do not ask for help when needed. People can try to mask their symptoms. And people can refuse support because people feel like they should be able do things independently. Sometimes people feel like they are a burden to others for asking for help.
How do you combat internalized ableism? One way is noticing when a critical voice arises and asking whose standard are you trying to live up to. Another way is to lean into your community. Whether you are neurodivergent or have a sensory impairment, it is important to find others with these struggles for solidarity and support. It also can be helpful to note that society functions through interdependency. Look at all the different jobs and roles people play in their lives and how they are all of value. Notice how it is ok to ask for help when you need it. There is not one person who can do everything. And start to take note of your strengths. If you are finding you are struggling with internalized ableism, you can always reach out to a psychotherapist for help.
Written by: Lis Modestino
