Introduction: October is Disability Awareness Month, a time set aside to learn more about “people with disabilities”, a phrase commonly used. But the word “disability” holds a negative connotation. What if we changed that language? What if diverse abilities were actually called DIVERSABILITIES instead of disabilities? In this topic, we will explore the power of language as it relates to ability, learning about the concept of ableism and celebrate the uniqueness of how our bodies and minds function.

STEP 1: Build Your Knowledge

Watch this Video (7 min): What Is Ableism?
Watch this TEDTalk (6 min): How Autism Freed Me To Be Myself
Watch this TEDTalk (11 min): Overcoming Ableism: What You Don’t Know As An Able Bodied Person

STEP 2: Attend the Dialogue on Thursday, October 20 (11:30am-1pm in C111)

During the dialogue, we will discuss these three questions:

What does the word ABLEISM mean to you?
What are the consequences of ableism?
What positive things do you see/experience at RTC that includes everyone, regardless of ability?
What can we do as students, staff and faculty to be

STEP 3: Keep Learning

The following links were thoughtfully compiled to offer opportunities for continued learning.

Videos

I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much (Stella Young)

Words Matter: Ableism Awareness

Articles/Websites

RTC Universal Design for Learning Project

RTC Disability Resource Services

6 Forms of Ableism We Need To Retire Immediately

Feeling the Weight: Some Beginning Notes on Disability, Access and Love

STEP 4: One Action I Can Take

Complete this sentence and commit to action: One action I can make to be more inclusive of people of all abilities is ______________________________________.

Suggestions include:

Incorporating Universal Design for Learning
Changing the words I use to foster a more inclusive environment
Altering an office layout to make it more accessible
Making flyers and printed material in ADA recommended fonts and sizes