Ableism to Disability Pride: Transformation Model

Introduction

Moving from ableism to disability pride is not simple.The world does not miraculously shift from discrimination to inclusivity overnight. Ableism to Disability Pride: Transformation Model recognizes that our journeys are not linear; we progress and regress. We may go through the same phase multiple times and/or different phases simultaneously. However, with perseverance and courage we can move toward personal and systemic change.

Main Digest

Common Reactions to Ableism

• Shame: Experience pain and lack of belonging resulting from societal norms and values.
• Feeling fear and anxiety: Worry about abilities and skills.
• Sadness: Defines self-worth.
• Low self esteem: Question competence.

Paths to Transformation

• The American Disabilities Act (ADA): Prohibits discrimination in employment, transportation, public accommodations and government programs.
• Radical Acceptance: Accept who you are as you are.
• Community: Experience a common bond with others.
• Support: Create safe spaces with therapists, families, peers, employment resource group and allies.
• Clinical Tools: Empower and develop skills to be effective participant in life.
• Self-Care: Take actions that support physical, self-compassion and emotional well-being.
• Activism: Engage in transforming political, social and cultural norms.
• Awareness: Raise consciousness about bias.

Self-Society

• Inclusivity: Provide same rights and accessibility for all and create environments that are just.
• Self-Pride: Accept whole self, including disability, rather than feeling it's a personal tragedy and cultivate a positive identity.
• Disability Pride: Celebrate the disability rights and independent living movements, culture, diversity and encourage recognition by the broader community.

Resources

• 1. Bogart, Kathleen "How Disability Pride Fights Ableism" Psychology Today August 10, 2020
• 2. Dunn, Dana PH.D. & Shane Bucaw "Thinking about Disability Identity" Disability Newsletter American Psychological Association Nov. 2013
• 3. Models of Disability: Types and Definitions Published:2019-12-06 : Author: Disabled World: Contact: disabled-world.com Affirmation of disability; Disability Identity Politics and Activism; and Empowering Model of Disability.

The Journey from Shame to Disability Pride: Using themes from psychosocial applications: positive re-framing, disability acceptance, and disability pride help people with disabilities move from a negative self-concept toward a liberating self-image.

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Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

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Cite This Page (APA): Michael Sugarman MSW - Phred Swain-Sugarman Peer Advocate. (2021, July 5 - Last revised: 2024, May 21). Ableism to Disability Pride: Transformation Model. Disabled World. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/ableism-pride.php

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