ABSTRACT
The chapter explores the social construct, associated meanings, identities, and assumptions related to disability and ableism. The chapter begins by defining disability and ableism, acknowledging that there are different approaches to defining disability while emphasizing the common theme that disability is as much about environmental constraints and discrimination as it is about impairments and health conditions. The chapter continues this emphasis in its exploration of disability as social construct, considering how differences in abilities related to impairments in functioning may or may not constitute disability depending on their interaction with activity limitations and participation restrictions. The chapter challenges the traditional deficit model of disability and describes the social and diversity models of disability. In exploring disability identity, the chapter describes disability identity, differentiating the development or claim of this identity from simply experiencing impairment or disability. In exploring ableism, the chapter considers institutional and interpersonal aspects of ableism, underscores the ways that ableism is maintained by a narrow view of what is functional and “normal,” and explores historical and current experiences of disability oppression, including benevolent ableism. The chapter concludes by considering changes in attitudes towards and rights of disabled people, including emphasis on procedural justice and the importance of self-determination. The chapter includes reflection exercises for readers to explore their assumptions and stereotypes, potential lack of information about disability and ableism, personal experiences and identity, and social messages about their own and others’ ability related to privilege and/or oppression.
