As a business owner, it's essential to be familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Not only is this law crucial for ensuring equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but dismissing accommodations can also be rooted in ableism.
Ableism is a term that describes the discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. This can manifest in various ways, including physical barriers, negative stereotypes, or the refusal to provide necessary accommodations.
Ableism can be overt, such as denying a person with a disability access to a building, or subtle, like assuming a person with a disability is less capable or productive.
At its core, ableism devalues and perpetuates inequality and reinforces the marginalization of a group that has historically been denied their rights.
When a business dismisses the need for accommodations, it’s essentially saying that the needs of individuals with disabilities are less important than those of others. This is a clear example of ableism.
For instance, if a deaf person requests a Sign Language Interpreter for a business meeting or media appearance, and the request is denied, it sends the message that their ability to communicate effectively is not valued. This not only undermines their professional capabilities but also excludes them from full participation in society.
If you read my last blog post: https://www.chaoscandlecompany.com/blogs/chaos-candle-co-news/why-denying-sign-language-interpreters-violates-the-ada-a-deaf-business-owners-perspective
you would see I was denied accommodations when requested and this decision cause a conflict. When I pose the question to an entrepreneur group on facebook; the response was 50/50.
50 supportive and 50 ableism.
Here are some examples of ableism:
This comment pretty much sums up my feelings about the whole thread:
Understanding and addressing ableism is essential in building a society where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to succeed. By educating ourselves and others, we can challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices, making the world a better place for all.
#deafowned #deaf #deafownedbusinesses #asl #signlanguage #accessibility #DeafAwarenessMonth #ableism