Ableism to Disability Pride: Transformation Model
Author: Michael Sugarman MSW - Phred Swain-Sugarman Peer Advocate - Contact: Contact Details
Published: 2021/07/05 - Updated: 2024/05/21
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Publications - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Moving from ableism to disability pride is not simple as the world does not shift from discrimination to inclusivity overnight but with perseverance and courage we can move toward personal and systemic change. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination in employment, transportation, public accommodations and government programs.
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 Item
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.