Ableism can come in a variety of different ways, at different places and at different times. Ableism is prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities. Less commonly known, when someone experiences ableism it can be internalized. Internalized ableism is when a person with a disability applies ableist standards to themselves.
Internalized ableism can be discovered in the ways someone thinks about themselves in relation to their disability. It can be as simple as someone doesn’t fully accept that they have a disability or they ignore it altogether. Furthermore, someone might think that they are a burden because of their disability or that their accommodations are unnecessary or inconvenient for others. In addition, someone might feel that they constantly have to prove that they have a disability because the sad truth is that some people fake having a disability. Internalized ableism can also look like a person with a disability having low standards for themselves, especially if they compare themselves to others.
While internalized ableism is something that happens within someone’s mind, it most likely stemmed from external forces. Internalized ableism is often caused by stereotypes and misconceptions about disability and sometimes unconscious discriminatory behaviors. It can be feeling undesirable, like a burden or feeling “less than” able-bodied people. Some people, both able-bodied and disabled, can contribute to internalized ableism without knowing. It can also be a result of disability “support organizations” being non inclusive, unsupportive and unhelpful. Some organizations, individuals and even disability communities might think someone is “not disabled enough” or might deny them resources and support. Having a disability can be challenging in many ways including mental health. When someone faces ableism from others and themselves it might result in not advocating for required accommodations or isolation from one’s peers.
There are many ways that anyone can help prevent internalized ableism. You can be sure to support people with disabilities by asking them how they are feeling and starting open and honest conversations with them. You can also be mindful of how your words and actions may affect someone. How someone feels about their disability can also be influenced by the language you use. You can be sure to use whatever language the person identifies most with. Tru Faces also works to prevent internalized ableism by including all types of disabilities and uplifting all voices of people with disabilities. If you are someone that struggles with internalized ableism it’s important that you feel valued and dignified and know that you can talk to someone about how you are feeling.
Written by Hannah Schevers