Our Purpose
Our Purpose
Embedded Files
Students with disabilities exist at the margins of our vision, design, and investments despite increased intention around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Across our ecosystem, we must address knowledge and mindset gaps. We must identify and confront the policies, practices, and beliefs that perpetuate ableism.
By expanding our definition of educational equity we can take action to improve outcomes for all students.
What is ableism?
What is ableism?
Anti-AbleistED aligns to a working definition by Talila "TL" Lewis
ABLEISM is a system that places value on people’s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normality, intelligence, excellence, desirability, and productivity. These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in anti-Blackness, eugenics, misogyny, colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism.
This form of systemic oppression leads to people and society determining who is valuable and worthy based on a person’s language, appearance, religion, and/or their ability to satisfactorily [re]produce, excel, and "behave." You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism.
A working definition by Talila "TL" Lewis*; updated January 2021
*developed in community with Disabled Black and other negatively racialized people, especially Dustin Gibson
The Need
Ableism permeates our schools. Despite increased intention around diversity, equity, and inclusion, students with disabilities exist at the margins of our vision, design, and investments. This is perpetuated by a broader education community that has grown accustomed to othering disability.
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