Ableism vs. Disablism

[@lindadesosa2168]

One of the things that is most annoying is hidden disabilities. People assume if they can’t see a wheelchair or guide dog, you are fine. I have a multitude of invisible disabilities that a dismissed.

[@FlailTV]

OMG yes. The number of times I get dirty looks for not standing up to offer my seat to someone only slightly older than I am. 'Lucky' for me, lately I've been unable to walk without a cane so I've had a temporary visual aid for people. :D

[@jennyandthemachines]

I sometimes wonder if a pocket cane might act as a communications device at times like this. Maybe with "No, I'm not too young to be disabled !!" in small print up the side...

[@roisinhackett4320]

@@FlailTV this is so common. I have a mild physical disability. And I can stand, but it can be very tiring and sometimes painful depending on context. I've had an old person shout at me on public transport.

[@FlailTV]

@@roisinhackett4320 I have this card in my wallet that I keep waiting for a reason to flash at someone who yells at me for occupying a seat. It's something TFL (Transport For London) offer for disabled people. It's a card or a badge that says 'please offer me a seat' and it's meant to help make your need visible when it might otherwise not be (either because it's busy/crowded and therefore harder for people to notice even an obvious disability or because the disability is itself harder to see). Sadly, I only got it shortly before the pandemic started so I haven't been on public transport often enough to find myself in a situation where I need to flash it. It's ready to jump into service when needed, though! 😂 If I ever get off this bloody cane, that is.

[@sparklefulpaladin]

Yes! And possibly even moreso if your symptoms change from day to day! I get migraines which sometimes impact my balance, so while 95% of the time I'm fine, there are days where I'll need to use priority seating on public transportation (especially if other seats aren't available) or use the wheelchair stall in the restroom (if other stalls don't have handrails).

[@gisela_oliveira]

Just the other day, I came across a fashion designer on Instagram, Who created her brand to be inclusive after she heard people saying "disabled people don't get married", so she decided to make wedding dresses for disabled women. The fact that some people discouraged and even refused to take her seriously because they actually think a person in a wheelchair won't get married made had me choked.

[@ilynn9794]

Would love to hear the name of the designer if you get a chance

[@findingbeautyinthepain8965]

I wish I knew of them when I got married in August! It’s hard for me because I walk and use a wheelchair. I had to get two different dresses for functional reasons, not fashion ones lol.

[@gisela_oliveira]

@@findingbeautyinthepain8965 that is so sad, I'm sorry you had to go trough this. I hope you still had a good day and I'm gonna try to spread the word about inclusivity even more

[@homocatphenomena7168]

I saw a doctor while I was engaged that told me I shouldn't get married "when I had so much unfinished business to deal with." And I asked her what she thought was going to change? Because every condition I have will only end when I die? Actually, disabled people sometimes choose to just get on with their life and not just be constant work in progress. Shocking. Anyways I never saw her again.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

@@demoniccherry5246 One of my bridesmaids was in a power chair so she decorated her chair and we made her bridesmaid dress as a two-piece to be easier for her to get into and out of.

[@wheelylazylaris]

I used to volunteer at a special school and students there told me that from a young age they were told by teacher not to aim too high when it came to career choices. I was so mad that I actually offered to give a guest lesson about not putting yourself down because others can't look past the disability and don't see all that you have to offer. I never got the chance of doing these lessons since teachers were not too thrilled about it. When I was both in med school and later in grad school (had to use a wheelchair in grad school), we learned about the Quality of Life (QoL) measures. When I wasn't aware that I was disabled (I also have EDS), I found them a bit problematic, but didn't ask questions about them. When I again had classes about QoL measures when I was in grad school and QoL for being in a wheelchair was 0.5, I was pretty offended and asked about it since in my experience my QoL isn't worse than when I still walked. Apparently it is based on a survey taken by healthy able-bodied people and they get asked how they would rate their life if they would have that disability. Since I learned about how they came to the QoL numbers, I'm pretty pissed off about it since a healthy able-bodied person is in no way able to completely understand what it means to have a certain disability and what living with a disability looks like. The fact that disabled people are refused care because of the perceived QoL of an able bodied person.

[@jennifers5560]

I can’t get over telling young children not to aim to high!!! That is terrible!

[@alishac5096]

That is so infuriating, imagine going to the trouble of asking the people they’re “accommodating.” They should add dealing with erasure to the QOL index 😢

[@Hauabhier]

this is a very good example for why we need diversity in academics. if only white able bodied cis men think about these things, they just forget the rest of us 💀

[@wheelylazylaris]

@@Hauabhier Yeah, I did make a point about it and literally said in front of all my fellow students "well, according to this index, my time is only with half that of an able-bodied fellow student." Of course he told me to not take it personal and I ensured him I never did and just pointed out the facts. I think later he tried to tell me that my perceived QoL is higher than an able bodied person would say because my view has shifted....

[@wheelylazylaris]

@@jennifers5560 Yeah, I was so mad about it! And apparently in the Netherlands (where special schools are still very much a thing and there's little integration), if you wanted to go to a good high school, you had to go to a boarding school. I actually feel lucky that I didn't know about my disability until I was older because I would have never had the chances that I have had now

[@floopyboo]

So now I have a word for the woman who tried to steal my walking stick and beat me with it. And for my in-laws, who absolutely adored me until they saw a picture of me with a walking stick, at which point they decided they had always hated me and insisted my partner divorce me. Such wonderful people!

[@jennifers5560]

People can be so terrible! ❤

[@daisyseberry4643]

That’s so awful and honestly I understand, my own family, is still rejecting my disability.

[@oushbaboosh5578]

Even for a non disabled person, I come across forms of abelism, for instance at work where my boss didn’t take my foot injury (plantar fasciitis) seriously because ‘I am young’ and should be able to stand at a counter for 6/7 hours straight, some people just can’t conceive that young people are not always full of energy and able to do everything with their bodies

[@mariannetfinches]

Sorry your boss was a dickhead. Although most definitions of disability require the issue to be present for a prolonged period (I've heard 6 months used a lot), that doesn't mean that in the moment you didn't need reasonable adjustments. In effect, you were disabled while you had that injury. Because without reasonable adjustments, it was harder & more painful for you to complete your usual activities. I recently heard something that's stuck with me. Can't remember it verbatim, but it's about how much better society would be if more people recognised that being non-disabled is a temporary state of being. Unless you never get injured, ill, or elderly, you won't be able bodied forever. Probably a good idea to work for a better society

[@SolarSeaSlug]

As a young person with chronic pain I feel this immensely

[@KCallia]

Seriously, sitting does not equal "lazy & unproductive" in the workplace!

[@centreoftheselights]

Disableism in employment is such a big issue. Disabled people are significantly more likely to be self-employed, indicating that they *want* to work (and "contribute to society", horrible definition) but they are not being accommodated by traditional employers. Part-time or flexible work hours, job shares, or working from home would all help allow more disabled people to access work.

[@jazzpear8877]

@@nala3055 I work from home now for a private company that was started by a guy with ADHD himself, so he's actually structured his company around practices that fit better for ADHD brains. We have flexible hours and we work from home. Nobody's gonna go after me for getting up to take a walk, and I'm SO much more productive and the quality of my work has increased exponentially, now that I don't have people hovering over my shoulder making sure I look like I'm working for every last one of the 480 minutes. Key word here is "look like", cuz actual productivity and quality of work seems to be an afterthought in more "traditional" corporate jobs.

[@queenofdramatech]

I had to try talking to my employer about my disability and how working from home, which we did during the height of the pandemic was still beneficial to me and my chronic conditions. The problem is, that my work is mostly a public-facing role on the floor of a museum with patrons and I was told that I couldn't do my work at home. So now I take a ton of time off when things are bad just sit around the house and do nothing just because I have the mental capacity to work but my body physically doesn't feel that it's able to get from House to job.

[@ilynn9794]

That’s a very interesting point thank you

[@arona6692]

My grandma was severly hard of hearing, she worked in a bank were she was stuck at the same low paid job with collegues that bullied her... My mother is also hard of hearing, didnt had accomodations for her job and found "tricks" to function and be productive. I am also hard of hearing but not as much (yet), I hope my first real job experience will be even better...

[@lyrablack8621]

I think it's more accurate to say that they _have_ to work… But even then, people still do want to work, it's just we don't want to be alienated from our labor ☺️

[@keyaunna.]

i had no idea that there was a word to describe discrimination against disabled people who are able bodied. i’m autistic, therefore now i know to use disabilism when i talk about ableism towards me. thank you for the education.

[@darrellmalory5418]

Ableism (As the positive discrimination towards abled people by ignoring or forgetting disabled people) often still applies to Autism. If you enter a space and think "wow, not one Autistic person was considered here" that would be due to ableism. Eg. Going to a convention where it is loud/busy and there are no designated quiet spaces is ableism because it is the forgetting of disabled people with the assumption that abled people will be the only ones in attendance. Or in a school setting, running a health class on mental health and resilience but not taking into account that autistic people are more likely to experience mental health issues and bullying would be ableism because it is assuming that the students are all going to be abled people. I think that a word to describe discrimination against people who are able bodied but still disabled would be useful (however hard it can be to seperate physical from mental disability, especially with comorbidities) but from this video I am unsure if disablism is that term. I would assume that disablism as described in this video would apply to physically disabled people also as there is an example of that around the 12:30ish mark.

[@cbryce9243]

Exactly. You 'have' autism, you are not autism itself. Using the correct wording, makes a big difference.

[@Ann963]

No, I think you misunderstood. Ableism can be simply negligence or ignorance. Disableism is judging disabled people’s value as less than. It is not specifically about physical disability or not. I think all disableism is also ableism, but not the other way around. (Like all primates are mammals, but not all mammals are primates.) I am autistic too, so I will use autistic examples to illustrate. Darrell Mallory’s examples of ableism is perfect (conventions, public places, schools, etc.) Disableism would be being made fun of or mocked for your autistic traits. Another example would be triaging ventilators during COVID to non-autistic people (making it a determining factor because autistic people, particularly non-speaking autistic people, are valued less). Disableism also includes eugenics, like choosing to abort a baby if there is a high chance they will be autistic.

[@keyaunna.]

@@cbryce9243 no. i’m autistic.

[@keyaunna.]

@@darrellmalory5418 thank you so much!!

[@silentlyjudgingyou]

As an autistic person I'm terrified to try and get my needs met, I don't even know what my needs are half the time anymore. Trying to work has resulted in being abused into a breakdown. Trying to get further education for better jobs is completely inaccessable to me. Asking to get help resulted in being barrated for not being normal. Trying to get support in place resulted in people trying to teach me to mask for two years before proper support was made available. Now I'm just traumatised ,tired, and trying to limit human interaction as much as possible for my own safety so I can recover. I'm glad to hear a word for that kind of abuse it's good that that exists. Now I need to go have a good cry.

[@bobthebuilderday6leader]

I don’t know how to help you, but I just want to say that I’m glad you’re here and I’ll give you a virtual hug.

[@lb5368]

Shannon, I need you to know you are not alone and you can recover. Many of us autistic people have experienced some degree of the extreme burnout, bullying, abuse and neglect you have gone through (it sounds like you have had a super hard experience though, and I'm not trying to minimize any of it). Your feelings are valid. I just want you to know you're not alone. A place that helped me feel more supported on my journey to recovery from extreme burnout was autistic Instagram, where I could see others like me living their best and worst lives while sharing resources with each other. I wish only good things for you. 💜

[@darlalathan6143]

As an autistic person I had a similar problem until I was diagnosed.

[@swissarmyknight4306]

I know your struggle intimately Shannon. Your pain is valid, you are valid. I don't have any wisdom to offer as I'm in the depths of the same thing.

[@ellanina801]

That sounds very similar to my experiences. I’m so exhausted 😩 I know I need help, but nobody actually helps, they squash, and/or take advantage of me. Then it turns into my fault.

[@themayhemofmadness7038]

Jessica: “Who knew you needed to be able to breathe to sleep?” Me, who suffers from chronic asthmatic bronchitis and asthma (slowly raises hand): me… Jessica, you have my sympathy. I hope you feel better soon! Lung infections are not fun in the least.

[@westzed23]

It is amazing how tired one gets without breathing properly. I had soup, now I need a rest. I walked across the room, I must sit down. Keep working on getting better. It's frustrating when that last bit of infection just won't go away.🥰

[@themayhemofmadness7038]

@@westzed23 It’s even worse when you get a rebound infection. Somehow it is almost always worse than that first bout.

[@maryeckel9682]

Sleep apnea crew here with recurrent sinus infection

[@cexilady3333]

I’ve literally made the comparison of glasses being an aide similar to walking apparatuses, but because in certain societies they’re accepted, people who are nearsighted/farsighted or have other eye impairments are treated vastly different than people with other “disabilities.” THANK YOU. We need to stop othering people who are different. We need to take people who are different into consideration. Why is being unable to see okay when being unable to walk is not? Both ableism and disableism are terrible.

[@AlexaFaie]

And for me, it always hurts to see it not be considered a disability as my eyes have never been corrected to 20:20 with glasses, never even close to it. And since glasses have become more fashionable (rather than when I was a kid being bullied for wearing them, so its good in that regard I guess) its actually hard for me to get glasses which work for me. I have quite a tiny head and so require smaller glasses. Previously I could wear glasses from the teens range, but now that the fashion has shifted to larger frames and larger lenses, they're just too big for me. Particularly because my prescription is severe enough (with a severe enough astigmatism) that if lenses are too big they can't actually put the prescription in the correct place. Due to face structure I can't have round glasses which have the smallest width lens options. I'm basically limited to oval/rectangle shaped and metal frames so that they can be better fitted to my face (solid plastic frames don't work for me) and guess what is not "fashionable" at the moment? It took me over 2 years of searching online (highstreet opticians didn't have any the right size) to find a pair which could work to be able to get a new pair of glasses since my frame size counts as "child/teen" and most online places don't want to sell frames/lenses for children without them getting checked by opticians so they just don't stock the smaller frame sizes. 🤦‍♀So my prescription is over 3 years out of date which sucks when I'm meant to be having my prescription checked yearly still.

[@mystictheshapeshifter]

Man I love the glasses comparison! When I was younger and asked my parents to help me get a service dog my dad expressed concerns that I would “use it as a crutch” 🙄🙄🙄 He wears glasses, my mom wears glasses, I wear glasses, are glasses a “crutch”??? Man it still makes me so mad that he said that. Like crutches themselves aren’t a negative thing there very important medical devices to allow people to move around safely! So ridiculous the biases and double standards people have about disabilities and medical equipment. Sorry I just needed to rant about that 😅

[@cexilady3333]

@@AlexaFaie that sounds like such an inconvenience, I’m so sorry

[@cexilady3333]

@@mystictheshapeshifter feel free to rant, I ranted to my friends about it literally 2 months ago. I felt…*seen* Get it

[@Derxe123]

Hello! I understand what you're trying to say, but I wanted to pop in with a quick bit of education. Visual disabilities are a thing and needing to wear glasses is NOT one. I know this isn't what you intended, but your comment came across as erasing a very vast, very difficult disability to raise up others. In my country, Canada, we have what is called being 'legally blind' which means that even with correction, vision is under 5% what it should be. I myself am legally blind. This means I cannot hold a license and am denied jobs in any field that 'requires' vision which, it turns out, is most of them. Being unable to see is NOT okay in society. Your example also hit a sore spot because stores are far more eager to accommodate employees in wheelchairs than employees who need visual accommodations in my experience. (An example being Fortinos having belts that can raise or lower for wheelchair users but refusing to accommodate my visually disabled friend because 'it's the system they use' so they can't change it) I've noticed a trend of disability friendly content using visual disabilities as an example of 'accommodated disabilities' and it's really gutting when my lived experience is so very opposite. I know what they're _trying_ to say, but regardless of intention, they're saying what they're saying. Glasses don't fix my eyes. I know many, MANY blind people who you wouldn't know are blind unless they tell you. I've been glared at for 'being a healthy young man' using the disability seating on buses when I literally legally can't hold a license and _I am disabled._ They just can't tell. Once again, I believe you commented in good faith, but I'm hoping you care to listen to why what you said still came across as disablist despite your intentions. (I know tone is hard to read in text so I'm trying to make sure you know I'm not 'coming at you' or something. I don't bother commenting unless I have hope the person will actually listen to what I'm saying.)

[@aliceinwonderland8314]

I had a conversation with a career person from my uni and when I mentioned my concern about it being more difficult to get a job cos of my disability, she immediately shot it down with "there are laws about that so you don't need to worry". I think she was trying to reassure me but it completely missed it's mark.

[@AlexaFaie]

There are laws about not discriminating purely due to the disability, but they can find ways around labelling it that and not taking someone on. Like if you have two candidates, one who will need to take frequent sick leave and one who won't, its a no brainer for a company to be more interested in hiring the candidate who won't need the sick leave, as awful as it is. At that stage it can be simply a "we need the employee to be able to work 5 days a week, so someone who can only do 3 or 4 isn't the correct fit" and get away with it. And also even if you do get a job, there's no guarantee that they'll provide the right environment for a disabled person to function well in. Making it a totally valid concern to have. Even if you do end up being totally fine, its a very valid concern!

[@DefenderOfHumanity]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA that's hilarious... wow that person smh

[@Heligany]

Yeah unfortunately there is a lot of assumptions about how effective laws are, once the true reality of the situation hits home there is a lot of reason to worry, unfortunately.

[@nataliatheweirdo]

Its actually giving when i was trying to explain to someone that i was scared of going to uni bc school is so inaccessible to me and they just go ‘oh well theres accomodations to help you why dont you just get those’

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

There's definitely a socio-political reason why the Eugenics Wars were introduced into Star Trek lore and it says a lot that a show from the 60s openly attacked a concept that a lot of people were still in favor of. Steve Shives has also done videos on how ableism was depicted in Deep Space 9 if anyone was interested.

[@quintecence]

Massive trek nerd - I'm definitely going to watch that video

[@InThisEssayIWill...]

I love Steve's takes! Absolutely worth the watch!

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@@InThisEssayIWill... Indeed!

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@@quintecence I'm really glad to hear that! And it's two videos so extra content for you. Hope you enjoy them.

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@Bean sprout 🌱💞 Indeed!

[@Albinojackrussel]

So the glasses analogy blew my mind when I first heard it. And it honestly makes me think about how we talk about the elderly. We don't generally consider an elderly person in need of hearing aids, or mobility aids disabled. But there no difference between going deaf at 70 and going deaf at 20. We just so used to culturally accepting that old people have different needs and requirements that it doesn't occur to us to consider that a disability. And that's not to say ageism doesn't exist, just that it takes a different form.

[@lynnboartsdye1943]

That story about the woman who was actively excluded from parts of her workplace and how she was brought up in some special school that guided her thought process that let her tolerate the discrimination was really touching. I’m on the autism spectrum and even though some of my closest support systems have been fighting on my side since I was diagnosed there’s this sort of air of “don’t blame everything on your autism” or general feeling that talking about it and the new things I learn about my own needs are somehow “too much” when ASD brains are quite literally built different. It kind of feels like being told you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help but then when you do ask for help you’re yelled at and told that you shouldn’t have to ask about whatever it is you need help with. No I’m not blaming my problems on how I was born I’m trying to understand them and show my findings to the people around me.

[@nicolebohley897]

I face similar issues with both ableism and disableism due to having an invisible disability. I have cPTSD, anxiety, depression and a list of other issues, including chronic pain. Your education here helps me feel not as alone - and I’m so thankful for this video. I really hope round 3 of the antibiotics works! Please feel better soon!

[@Exsugarbabe1]

I have ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia with a touch of CPTSD. If I tell employers I have all these problems they're less likely to employ me or treat me differently or if I don't tell them I have symptoms and they wonder what on earth is wrong with me, I'm not optimistic about getting myself a decent life.

[@oldasyouromens]

So much of disablism is also tied into eugenics - the institutionalized idea that disabled people should not reproduce and are better off sterilized or killed. It was tied to social darwinism and eugenics boards existed in the US until the 1960s, determining whether a disabled person could have children, live and be sterilized, or die.

[@FlailTV]

Forgive me for taking one tiny bit of this and running (well, hobbling) with it, but: This is everyone's reminder that ramps for wheelchair users do not necessarily benefit disabled people who are not wheelchair users, and can in fact be even harder/more painful to use than stairs, especially if they take long, circuitous routes (see also lifts/elevators that are far away, tucked down long corridors - imtalkingtoyoulondonbridgetube - and therefore hard for some of us to get to, forcing us to use the also-difficult-and-painful stairs). So while accessibility for wheelchair users is very important and I'm glad to see more of it, it is also important to remember that the access needs of wheelchair users are not necessarily the access needs of all disabled people, and measures designed for wheelchair accessibility do not necessarily also meet the needs of disabled people with other types of mobility issues.

[@ToxicNeon]

That is a good point - i often have to avoid inclines cause they're actually more difficult for me sometimes. Stairs aren't much better, but if its just a couple steps i always choose those over an incline. I really wish there were more accessible elevators around.

[@FlailTV]

@@ToxicNeon Exactly. My partner and I both have hEDS, and we struggle with inclines as our knees and ankles are...really not good.

[@hopegate9620]

Exactly. If I'm using my wheelchair, ramps are great, but I'd rather use the stairs if I'm in crutches. Otherwise, the steeper the slope, the more likely I am to fall.

[@Bee-g4s]

Oh my gosh, this explains so much. Like people telling me that "You should just get over it!" when I nearly have PANIC ATTACKS because I'm having a bad PTSD day and decided I could go to a loud event because I planned this weeks in advance. It was so much worse when I was younger. And when I go to doctors about my knees (they always hurt when I go up stairs), they just say to exercise! I tried that, it didn't work! I've basically given up, but my mom is making me book an appointment with an orthopedic in case something's wrong.

[@scifirocks]

This is a really depressing subject, but can you do a video about the Holocaust some day? Everyone remembers the Jewish people murderer (quite rightly) but most people don't realise that nearly 300,000 disabled people were murdered too. And even more were likely forcibly sterilised too. I think that's the biggest example of disablism I can think of.

[@hannahk1306]

Yes, there were lots of other marginalised groups that were also targeted - including LGBTQ+ people, which Jessica could also touch upon, and other ethnic or cultural groups, such as travellers.

[@MorganJ]

And how there was widespread forced sterilization in the United States as well.

[@lynn858]

@@demoniccherry5246 Which really tells you how narrowly disability is viewed. Stating I, want permanent birth control, as an adult female - explaining that I do not want to pass on my genetic predisposition to depression, or be pregnant, or disadvantage a child by being an unwilling parent - would simply increase the chances of being considered unable to clearly consent and know my own mind. To be clear: I've NEVER wanted to be pregnant, raise a child, or spend extended periods of time with babies or children. And that really should be plenty.

[@americanbookdragon]

I dug into it and read Nazi Doctors by Robert Jay Lifton. The doctors ran the death camps, they went from killing people with disabilities to killing Jews by viewing being Jewish as being a disease that needed to be wiped out. Jews were killed as an extension from taking out people with mental and genetic diseases. They were one and the same to the Nazis.

[@qwandary]

@@hannahk1306 Yeah like loads of trans history and science burned out of existence so we went back in trans acceptance and understanding by decades...

[@revolutionofthekind]

I'm disabled and have been involved in disability justice, and somehow i've literally never heard this term! Maybe only specific cohorts are using it right now, but I hope that it gets adopted! It like how with sexism and racism are umbrella terms, and then we have misogyny, misogynoir, and anti-black racism for more specificity. I will definitely be adding it to my lexicon! Also I hope your infection fades soon, Jessica! Having lung problems sucks ass!!!

[@cbryce9243]

If we change our words to say, "I HAVE a disability" instead of saying, "I AM disabled", will be a huge step for many. I am not my disability any more than I am cancer; I have cancer, I have a disability, but they do not define me.

[@RoseRedRoseWhite]

@@cbryce9243 Except person first language doesnt fit all. And disabled is a loaded word but not a bad one. Why distance from it?

[@some-one-else]

@@cbryce9243 "I have a disability" is already an option. Why should other people have to change the way we refer to ourselves?

[@findingbeautyinthepain8965]

@@cbryce9243 Many people, including myself, prefer “I am disabled.” Disability is part of my identity, and there is nothing wrong with that. You can label yourself however you would like, but people don’t suggest the speech of disabled people should be policed. It has been for thousands of years, and it’s very dangerous for us to suggest it should happen again.

[@purpleghost106]

@@demoniccherry5246 Strong agree. Also even if you develop your disability later in life it can become a big part of who you are. I have met someone who ID's as an amputee, that's a big part of who they are now, it affects all of their life, and finding a new way to *be* meant for them becoming a new person. I thought that was a really neat thing, and I feel like it probably applies to a lot of other disabled people's experiences too. We know that growing up in different conditions can can shape who you are, nurture matters, we know that the events of our lives impact who we think of ourself as-- Why would disablity and either growing up disabled or becoming disabled be any different from another kind of life experience in that respect? And to answer my own question, I don't think it would be! We experience things and we grow with/from those experiences, I think that's just a very fundementally human thing)

[@resourceress7]

About 15 years ago, I became aware of B.A.D.D., Blogging Against Disableism Day. People from all over the internet would post a blog about a disability-related topic. As a disabled American, I had only heard of the term, "ableism." Among those participating in BADD, it seemed that "disableism" was the term preferred by several people in the UK for the same thing. All languages and regional/social dialects are constantly evolving, so this is an interesting discussion about how some people use these terms today. Thanks, Jessica.

[@ClaireCaoimheRaeMoonshadow]

Had a stranger (at the beginning of the pandemic) tell me that it not kills the elderly and sick, that it’s culling the weak. When I told him I was done speaking to him, he said something about “survival of the fittest”. I might have raised my voice a little.

[@Karincl7]

❤️

[@samanthaerulastiellewis789]

Oh my word! The crap some ignorant people come out with. Utterly disgusting

[@dr.moneypenny9748]

I had a similar thing happen at a university meeting in fall 2020, albeit more implied. People were sharing whether they thought COVID measures should be maintained or relaxed. One guy said that students are young and won’t die so no big deal. Um, but students, faculty, & staff members can be older, disabled, chronically ill, etc. right? Or they could be caring for vulnerable people? Also, evolution works more accurately as “reproduction of the fittest” not survival, but I realize that is a bit more esoteric. :)

[@ClaireCaoimheRaeMoonshadow]

@@dr.moneypenny9748 that is definitely more accurate. Jokes on that guy. My husband and I made five boys before I got sick. 🤣 They are now 15-25 and I’m thankful for them every day.

[@Romanticoutlaw]

hate to break it to him, but there's evidence of even ancient peoples caring for their community members with disabilities, it's fascinating stuff. Humans are cooperative, collaborative. Helping the whole group survive is what makes us fit. If we weren't part of such a species that must tolerate him to some level anyway, he would very certainly be unfit, as that kind of attitude would not be conducive to our collective survival.

[@alexanneschronicles]

I always wondered why we didn't have a clearer word for discrimination against disabled people. Ablelism is good for calling out ableist behaviours. But it's never filled the totality of the need. Glad to know disablelism is a word!! It's so clear and concise!! Definitely needs to be more widely used!!

[@kaikat123]

I hate the phrases, "Functioning member of society" and, "Contributing to society" One time my Grandmother asked me how I was contributing to society, and I told her that it's an ableist way to think, and her response was to ask if I was disabled and if that's why I wasn't contributing 😬 I cut contact with her for that as well as transphobia, xenophobia, racism, and misogyny. If someone displays one of these they'll more than likely have others you just haven't seen yet🙃

[@ChaoticAphrodite]

I had never heard the word “disablism” before, but it makes a lot of sense. It reminds me how certain prejudices are called “-phobias” instead of “-isms”; one centres the perpetrator by claiming their unwarranted anxieties justify vile behaviour, the other suggests the targets deserve such vile behaviour because of the unwarranted anxieties they allegedly induce. Both are bull. On a related logistic note: I have autism. That is a form of disability, but I don’t consider it a “disorder” since my understanding is a disorder adversely affects activities of daily living. While finding employ had become harder since embracing autism instead of masking all the times, if anything I’ve lived more and deeper since rejecting my rejection of those characteristics. :)

[@sarahwatts7152]

I view autism as a characteristic rather than a condition. Is that a good way to think about it? (I do not myself have autism)

[@breenaj1095]

I'm also autistic! I completely agree with you. I rarely find myself troubled by my autism until society and their standards are brought into it. I'm not really negatively impacted until I have to face situations where people either don't have proper supports available or refuse to supply them. So, i believe, by definition, that would make it a disability rather than a disorder.

[@Eve.v]

@@sarahwatts7152 seconding what has already been said! autism can absolutely be disabling (sensory overload comes to mind; my husband can't function when a fire alarm with a flashing light is going off, it's Simply Too Much). it can also be ... well, good! it makes me really happy to stim with my husband in the kitchen!! it's REALLY FUN to infodump about undertale and deltarune to him!! i love hearing him explain tax law and going through his mineral collection!! we mostly rotate through a cast of Trusted Meals for dinnertime, and have a strong preference for eating at restaurants we've been to before, and that makes me feel secure and safe!! so, at home? sure you could call it a characteristic or a trait; it irreconcialiably influences how we communicate and enjoy media, what foods we eat, what activities we choose to do in our downtime, usually in neutral ways (RIP to the texture of red meat). but at work? that's...that can be a hugely different story, especially when other disabilities (ADHD, or PTSD, or OCD, etc.) are involved. (which is quite common, as i understand it; ADHD and autism can be co-morbid, and autistic kids/youths are a high risk of experiencing traumatic events that may not even register with their caregivers, especially if they're undiagnosed.) sorry for such a long ramble!! that was just a very valid question and i wanted to try to give an informed answer based on my experiences, my husband's, and what i have retained from my college special education course, lol !!

[@ChaoticAphrodite]

@@breenaj1095 This is just my story and my experience, but for me it was a disorder for a long time. As an example, my senses are shockingly sharp, as testing confirmed, which meant for a long time I had to either try to train myself to not sense what I did and to avoid places that were overwhelming. Since embracing these differences, I experience food much better and instead of a bar causing pain with every clink of glass, word tossed in conversation, or clatter of plate, it’s almost a symphony.

[@breenaj1095]

@@ChaoticAphrodite You know, I often forget about my own sensitivities in my home bc I have accommodations set up for them, but that's very true that it can be disabling. I'm so happy for you that you're finding a better quality of life though these days!

[@MELLMAO]

I will have to be self-employed probably or just work on commissions when I finish college because my chronic migraines have become daily and can (and are by many professionals) truly be considered a disability. There are almost no employers with flexible enough work hours and nobody wants you to work from home, not even my college right now wants to put practicum classes online, just lectures, despite holding everything online during lockdowns. I've lost friends because of my disability, in my attempt to explain why I can't hang out all the time, why I have to cut our nights-out short, why I'm rushing to an appointment, they basically mocked my issues and said that "I talk about my problems too much". Cut all contact with them, thankfully. Professors lump me in with people who are irresponsible or lazy or disinterested, just because I physically can't perform up to their standards. Disablism is bad to those with visible illnesses, but it can be just as menacing to those with invisible ones

[@cherylcarlson3315]

As someone dealing with myasthenia who has had chest infections 3 times this year, I can endorse using bipap at night, not sexy but makes deeper breaths easier and using breath stacking exercises while crushingly exhausting at times helps make productive cough. My nursing knowledge wasn't erased by the muscle strength.

[@Cec9e13]

My daughter just finished being on crutches for three weeks because of a bad cut on the bottom of her foot, and as she bemoaned the fact that it "made everyone look at her", she also questioned how she would do things like carry stuff and open doors. How would she carry a lunch tray??? I told her when I was in school, someone would have been assigned to carry her tray, or a lunch lady might, or a teacher might, anyway someone would do that. That is not a big deal. It happens (though apparently no one in her grade school had ever injured a leg, which makes me fear for the amount of sunshine and outdoor play children get now). It is literally the SCHOOL'S JOB to get what you need. They Will Do That. Three weeks later, she had survived "being looked at", and it occurred to me that it was good for the rest of the school to see someone on crutches, to see them doing things and out and about. Anyone at any time can become disabled. It's good for children to see that it doesn't mean the end of the world, and it makes us all more compassionate.

[@dianabuck7310]

I don't think I ever had my ableism challenged until I was running a student organization in college and had to include an inclusivity statement in the charter. It certainly challenged me to combat a lot of the cis, white, heteronormative traits of the community I was representing, but it also made me realize how many things about both our meetings and our subject competency didn't take into consideration the experience of disabled students. It's been over 10 years, and I still have a lot of work to do. But I challenge myself to pay attention to things like venue accessibility (and how Google is full of crap when they say a place is accessible). I try to include image descriptions in my social media posts (which are honestly a lot of fun to write). And I am always listening for more things I can do to remove barriers for people in my social, professional, and recreational life. Obviously, these are all virtuous things to do, but on a not-so-selfless note, it means I have invited some really great people into my life that make me so happy, people that I would have missed out on if I hadn't arranged a group meeting at a ground level coffee shop with a wide doorway or used the alt text to describe a thirst trap photo.

[@ryebread4369]

Obviously this is a very important video. But the new term I learned is TREE SURGEON!! Thank you Jessica!! I was fired from my dream job because of my disabilities over a year ago. Now I'm starting my own buisness!

[@spoookley]

the word disableism is more than just a single powerful word on its own, but it also further empowers & defines the term ableism through the dichotomy it creates. it allows people to admit their ableist tendencies without inherently calling them disableist

[@kibrika]

I realised I don't even know the word for "ableism" in my language, Latvian, nor "disablism". But there's a lot of both around here, I think.

[@jennoscura2381]

I mostly deal with ableism. For example I went to go use the ATM at the 7-11 and there were boxes in the way of my wheelchair. Because the employee didn't consider the boxes getting in the way of a wheelchair. I have also been the victim of of disablism. A guy at a bus stop asked me personal questions about my sexual experiences that he probably wouldn't have asked an abled person. Sorry random guy. You don't need to know if I have ever had an orgasm and what I might have done to have that orgasm. TW: Explicit language. The guy asked me if I have ever "made my pu**y squirt". Eeeww. I doubt he would have asked an abled woman that. The extreme example of disablism is Aktion T4 where the Nazis executed disabled people. Here in the US (and far too many other places) disabled people were forcibly sterilized so they wouldn't pass on whatever it is they had. The Nazis used that as justification for their own forced sterilization program. Back in the 2000s I met a woman with CP who was forcibly sterilized. So sadly that sort of thing isn't ancient history. If I remember correctly she was sterilized in the 1970s.

[@scifirocks]

It's probably still going on, albeit much less common. There was a legal case in 2015 in the UK where a court degreed that a woman with a learning disability could be forcibly sterilised.

[@ceecee3181]

@@scifirocks That is horrifying! My sister-in-law has a learning disability that has affected her pretty strongly and all four of her kids are extremely intelligent!! I can't even imagine my life without those brilliant kiddos in it! So shocked and appalled that the court could get away with that, and so recently!

[@ashleykinder8877]

God, men can be so intensely rude and horrible to us women. I'm not visibly disabled but I have many chronic illnesses and literally just two days ago had the simultaneously freeing and traumatic epiphany that I'm autistic (I'm 37 and just discovered this, it's been......interesting). Still, the most harassment I've ever recipes from ppl have almost always been from men. Especially when I lived in Dallas. (Side note: big cities=no no for autism, big cities=more ppl, hence more garbage human beings.)

[@sallyjordan4869]

Lovely Jessica, thank you for making such an important video when you’re clearly still feeling so awful. Praying this third round of antibiotics does the trick! Please take any time off that you need-your health is more important than our desire for your videos (much as we love them). 🎀💖🎀

[@nikitaashok3818]

I’d never heard of the term disablism before this and the way you broke it down in terms of questioning what’s even able-bodied means- it’s really given me a lot to think about. Thank you for all that you do Jessica, it truly does make such a difference in the world. I’m going to keep reading and learning more about this now. Much love and strength to you, hope the lung infection really gets out of your system for good this time around, and I mean both lungs! ❤ It must be so exhausting :(

[@IsisAlv]

I'm in a class about accessibility and we're taught the social model. it really puts things in perspective, because accessibility is not just about disabled people. elderly people are not considered disabled for lacking sight or hearing, because that's a "natural progression" and doesn't have the same sociological implications. still, making inaccessible content affects the elderly too, so ableism ends up not being about disabled people directly. while in this example an elderly person could suffer from ageist discrimination, they wouldn't be in the receiving end of disableism. the social model is really useful for having these discussions, and it's a shame most people don't learn it

[@jennifers5560]

NGL, I think I have to watch this several more times to fully grasp the differences between the words. (Although, I did get the dragon reference immediately!)

[@SB-xw8fr]

I'm so sorry you are still unwell, Jessica. My family and I are sending well wishes to you and your family. Your content on disabilities has helped my disabled daughter. Thank you for that.

[@pinkskyfall]

I have thought about the eye glasses example many times. Mostly because if I didn't have prescription glasses I would be very impaired. I definitely wouldn't be able to drive, it would be dangerous for me to walk around alone especially somewhere unfamiliar, not to mention the limitations I would have in a workplace. But where I live, it's easy to get glasses so I am able to live a "normal" life.

[@cbryce9243]

I'm sorry your lungs are suffering and hope you get fully better soon! I've had disabilities all my life but was expected to be like everyone else. I never knew I had disabilities until I was in my 40's; no one ever talked about it, but I knew I was different. My family was ashamed of me, and I still don't have a word for what I lived and still live through.

[@DrawnByDandy]

So disablism is to ableism like homophobia is to heteronormativity?

[@pjaypender1009]

No, they mean heteronormativity. "Heteronormativity is what makes heterosexuality seem coherent, natural and privileged. It involves the assumption that everyone is 'naturally' heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is an ideal, superior to homosexuality or bisexuality." "Heteronormativity is the concept that heterosexuality is the preferred or normal mode of sexual orientation. It assumes the gender binary (i.e., that there are only two distinct, opposite genders) and that sexual and marital relations are most fitting between people of opposite sex."

[@jakeking3859]

@Deanna L. Newton no, heterosexism is the discrimination if people due to the assumption that heterosexuality is the "default". So basically conversion therapy kinda level. Heteronormativity is having someone believe you're straight until you come out to them, or having a character in a TV show be assumed as heterosexual until someone proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that they're not.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

I’m on the spectrum and all my life it’s been either ignored (because it wasn’t a thing back when I was a child) or ignored because I’m now an adult and my family expect me to be functioning better than I am or can. There’s zero support or understanding or concessions made.

[@LadyVenus125]

Oh my god, I'm autistic and I can relate on a spiritual level.

[@harrietwindebank6051]

My local optician has changed lens suppliers. New supplier can’t seem to do my complex prescription with the various coatings. The coatings come off in a matter of weeks to months. I need my glasses to work and go out and make dinner and do pretty much anything!!! One little thing changes and life is turned upside down.

[@-augar2471]

Thank you so much, Jessica! This is a great video and really well describes ableism and disableism. I work in this area and am a disabled person myself so I really appreciate everything you do to shine a light on disability, ableism and accessibility!

[@artbookgaming]

I had never heard of disableism before. Thank you for educating, you always explain everything in such a memorable and easy to understand way. Your hair is very beautiful when straight too.

[@1901180108]

I usually hear "ableism" used to mean what Jessica is saying "disablism" means.

[@ERYN__]

I hope the lung infection continues to improve. I am a CPAP user, and it's very important for breathing while sleeping. I know I am one to evangelize about CPAPs, but they are so good! Even if not sleep apnea (I know it probably isn't), I could see it being useful for other repatriation issues.

[@jennifers5560]

I love my CPAP too!

[@sourgreendolly7685]

I'm probably need a CPAP. I'm getting a sleep study done ASAP (asking my doctor to refer me tomorrow) because I can't even remember the last time I woke up feeling rested and I know sleep apnea runs in my family. Anyways my point is, it's really nice to see people talk about their CPAPs so positively. I've been feeling quite down about it but you've got me thinking about life changing one can really be! So thank you💕

[@ERYN__]

@@sourgreendolly7685 I'm excited for you! I hope that it's fairly straightforward for you and you don't have other sleep issues, but discovering them is important. I don't love how "medical" they look, but it's worth it. One thing I really love about using a CPAP is being able to completely burrow into blankets and have my own air supply! Take that unaided breathers!

[@jennifers5560]

@@sourgreendolly7685 omg! It was life changing for me. I felt more rested, my mood was way better and I started dreaming again. I never go a night without it. I bring it when I travel as well.

[@qynoi42]

I'm so glad I took to the time to adjust to my CPAP. It took a little over a month for the increased fatigue to go away but now I don't need to sleep nearly as long.

[@ght33]

Why do I feel guilty for not watching all your videos? Because you bring me to tears, and my guilt for not taking stronger action bubbles to the surface. Thank you for getting me off my ass today! You changed my vocabulary today and that was truly empowering!

[@jennifers5560]

❤

[@itssteph263]

I have seen so much disablism in job applications like asking if the applicant can perform the job with accommodations "within reason". Job hunting is already difficult I can't imagine having to do it as a disabled person.

[@1901180108]

If you're in the US, "within reason" is language that comes from the Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees disabled people the right to "reasonable accommodations" in the workplace.

[@itssteph263]

@@1901180108 I understand that part, but couldn't said work place argue that a specific accommodation is "unreasonable" say if the worker is a wheelchair user but they can't get to their desk because the space between the cubicles isn't wide enough.

[@lb5368]

@@itssteph263 it would probably depend on whether removing or widening the cubicle walls to accommodate a wheelchair led to "unreasonable" expense for the employer. It can become very specific and nuanced because every workplace is different. For example, I had a job with several accommodations made for me to continue doing my work, but when my disability caused poor productivity it somehow was not "reasonable" to offer me another (less demanding) position--even though this was the next step of the reasonable accommodation process at that workplace. 🤷‍♀️

[@jenniferwells2291]

I live in the U.S. and as much as I need a power wheelchair or scooter I cannot get one because Medicare says that if I can get around my house without it then I don't need one. Apparently I have no need to ever leave my house. At this point I am not usually able to leave the house alone which is an issue especially with certain doctors appointments since I now have to try and find someone who can go with me to push my chair since I can no longer just suffer through the walk. Except that my mother and "spouse" both work. I'm curious what it is categorized as when the government penalizes disabled people for getting married or even having a partner live with you? Shocked to find out that American Airlines has banned power wheelchairs.

[@SOTFarchive]

Brilliantly put! ❤ I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out how to make a video on this, but I think you nailed it! I feel like they did try to address Disableism in the 90’s, as most movies and cartoons always had a disabled character that was awesome, but I don’t know why they gave up on trying. Thanks for this video! ❤

[@eliscanfield3913]

I hate it when someone insists people should serve in the military to hold public office or sometimes even to vote. They usually weasel to "other kinds of service" or "desk jobs" when I challenge them but that's not what they said and besides I've heard people insult the reserves as not real military service, what are they gonna say to someone with a disability's service?

[@celticphoenix2579]

I am disabled and until now had no idea how often I was guilty of doing a disableism against myself and others. Thank you for the opportunity to learn and grow into a better person Jessica.

[@plursocks]

Going along with your glasses metaphor, as someone with ADHD I find it incredible how many people will excuse not giving accommodations because they see a disability as "common". You guys let people wear glasses right? They're getting accommodated by society already. That's literally all we're asking for....well, and to be treated like full human beings with agency.

[@milliethebunnyrabbit]

Exactly!!

[@YesItsJess]

I need that lil rant you went on about “contributing to society” implanted into my head. It’s so ingrained in me and everyone I know to try to “get back to work” ect.

[@SevCaswell]

One of the curious things about having had 12 years of Tory government is that the longer they have been in power the more abuse disabled people face. Another metric that has always soared during Tory governments is homelessness.

[@essendossev362]

There's you excusing yourself for your hair today, and meanwhile I was just thinking how good it looked!

[@charliestevens6051]

This made me question so many terms I take for granted!! Thank you for drawing my attention to them and I hope the next round of antibiotics is successful!

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

Wow, Jessica! Thank you for teaching me a new word that describes so much of my life! I really loved all you said about defining ableism, too! And I’m hoping round three works on your lung infection!

[@GingerKiwiDev]

My first thought when the video started was “Jessica’s hair looks amazing.” Great video Jessica! Also very good timing for me. I’ve spent countless hours and spoons I’d much rather be spending on many other thing over the past five days dealing with both ableism and disablism. I’ll be sharing this and the recent related Molly Burke video on a LinkedIn post tomorrow. Glad you mentioned the tree surgeon! I thought my hearing was extra wonky.

[@akinmytua4680]

On the point of making the world better for disabled people making it better for everyone is automatic doors. A lot of people don't even notice the doors anymore but the difference when the automatic door is not present is pretty stark. (... I have stood in front of a non automatic door waiting for it to open while holding my groceries) Things like ramps, hand rails, riding carts, grocery pick up: a lot of people use these services but they started for disabled people.

[@bwolff7364]

not the accessibility department at my school refusing me accommodations when that's literally their only job ;-;

[@FatiguedButFabulous]

I'm glad your lung infection is slowly dissipating Jessica, hang in there! 💖

[@zoyadulzura7490]

Amazing that she is still so glowing and bubbly even when she doesn't feel her best. I wish I could be like that when I'm sick.

[@annalena3065]

Thank you for still taking the time to give us fun and educational videos even though you’re still sick ❤

[@rachele8380]

I’ve been having such a hard time believing myself to be disabled because of internalized disabilism. I’ve been out of school/work and in bed for nearly a year because of depression & ocd struggles.

[@beckyscreativespooniebeehive]

💝💖💗

[@westzed23]

Having a non-visable disability can be a hinderence in others not accepting you as yourself. Also it can make it hard for someone to actually accept that they have a disability. Learning your limitations and going forward to how you can accomplish what you aim for in your own way and at your own pace.

[@lb5368]

I hope you receive the help you need ❤️

[@tatiana4050]

@@westzed23 I go through so many hypes and burn outs. I think "I only burned out cause manager was bad" , "I only quit because they changed my shift pattern" I have been part and full time employed for past 5 years, and only now I'm learning what is too much for me. But it's so hard when you gotta pay the bills.

[@alisonbarker3862]

I hope that you feel better soon, Jessica. Take it gently. xxx

[@lilypudd]

Oh Jessica...hugs. I had pneumonia for two months last year. Please eat as much as you can. I went through five rounds of antibiotics. They ended up messing up my stomach and I lost about 20lbs. Thank you for your videos. I learn so much and it makes me aware when I am out and about! Huggs some more and heal up soon.

[@judithlashbrook4684]

Even before my genetic condition kicked in (and I became disabled) I wasn't able to run a marathon or lift a car! That's how I discribe things to "able" bodied people, that if society expected them to run a marathon to get to work instead of driving then they too would be disabled! Also quite shocked at your blatent dragonisme! It's not because most people can't see them that they don't exist! ;) Hope you get better soon!

[@jennoscura2381]

Given the high rates of obesity in the US I think that for a lot of people cars are a disability aid. If they had to walk to a bus stop to get around; they would need a power wheelchair. I can't drive. So even though I am ambulatory; I use a power chair to get me to the grocery store and bus stops.

[@lb5368]

@@jennoscura2381 and if you consider rural areas with little to no public transportation available, cars are not even an aid but mandatory for survival.

[@hgordon5217]

As someone with a chronic illness that is not visible most of the time, I love your videos, and this one is no exception. Disabled people have a huge variety of impairments, but they all have important roles to play. Being in the U.S. seems especially hard when there is a mentality of "pull yourself up by your boot straps" that often supports disablism. I agree that identifying one of the issues with a name can be helpful. Hopefully disabled people can be recognized more universally for their unique gifts and talents sooner rather than later. I hope your lung infection clears very soon, Jessica!! While watching this, I have influenza and can only imagine how this infection has hurt you and your family. Speedy healing to you!!!

[@beanoneya]

I'm super glad KZbin has built a in CC option, I need it!

[@lyllydd]

Thank you for putting words to something I've seen but not really understood. I've had an invisible illness for just over 5 years (possibly longer) but in some ways navigating the world with this disability is still new to me. It's rare for me to want to take notes on a YT video, but this is one of them.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

The disability pension in my province is disablist. My tenant (who was morbidly obese and had severe edema in his legs) was denied equipment that could have made a huge difference in his quality of life (custom compression stockings, so he could have ankles and wear shoes and therefore be more active) because it would have taken more than one set of custom stockings for him. They did buy him a hospital bed, but they refused to have it repaired when the controls stopped working. One day he fell and injured himself trying to get into the bed that no longer moved, and has been in a care facility ever since (4 years now). Good job ODSP, you saved yourself so much money there, way to go. 6 months in a hospital and 3.5 years in a bariatric rehab ward that could have been avoided.

[@len0reth.hazeee]

I didn't know disablism was even a word, but it seems so useful. Also, your hair looks pretty. 😊 I hope your infection clears up even more soon. 💖

[@FerretinSocks]

this distinction makes complete sense to me, thank you :D so ableism is more like cisnormativity or heteronormativity whereas disableism is like trans- or homophobia. learned a new word today

[@qynoi42]

What an excellent comparison! That actually helps me understand it better.

[@monicarlo15]

4:30 it all comes back to capitalism. I wish more discussions about disablism would name the the elephant in the room. Our worth is determined by our ability to work. Disabled people are discriminated against because they cannot use their bodies to be exploited for capitalistic gain.

[@tobyameson3159]

Thank you Jessica! Godspeed on your healing. That infection looks terrible and I hope you feel better soon!

[@AM-cf2wg]

I've had a doctor at hospital literally refuse treating me because of my chronic pain, which he took as a sign that I was a hypochondriac. I was minutes away from multiple organ failure when, due to a shift change, another doctor came rushing to my room and screamed for antibiotics.

[@ichinisa2583]

Me *thinking about making content about disabilities and mental health in Spanish* Jessica: "I know you'll be amazing at it" :')

[@coletterosenhaus4163]

I didn't know about either ableism or disablism. Until I saw this video.

[@gariden]

i mean for me, no amount of societal change is going to stop my skin from reacting in hives to excessive heat. it’s a disability because this includes regular temperatures that occur outside, preventing me from being able to do a lot of things for a lot of the year.

[@binglemarie42]

Thank you for teaching me the term disablism! I watched you fading throughout the video and my heart went out to you. I'm sad that you had to push so hard, but thank you for the effort. Now go rest and recover!

[@YungVenus]

I love you Jessica!! I was a fan a couple of years ago and for some reason stopped watching. Well I’m back and I didn’t know how much I missed your voice!!! ❤️❤️

[@Sassybethey]

Jessica, Thank You so much for giving us a wonderful and informative video, even though you are not feeling well. 💖 Your lovely face, smile, attitude, and soul are exactly what I needed today. Hoping you have a speedy recovery!! 💖🫂💖

[@tammysantana7200]

Feel better soon Jessica and thank you for clarifying the meaning of those words

[@goldensprite3373]

From my perspective, it is so validating that these things are talked about and labelled. Thankyou x

[@Neiyasaka]

Thank you for filming, for getting clean, dressed and make up'd to spread this important info, even though it hurt you to do so. I learned so much from this, especially the way I think about myself. We need big activism for our community, but theres the rub, it involves being active - when alot of us are just hanging on living day by day with no energy for much else outside our personal spheres, how can we overcome this injustice when the ones who need the most help are left and forgotten at the bottom of the pile?

[@marydotjpeg]

I'm so glad I came across your channel! Recently my FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) has gotten worse (along with everything else flaring) I end up going to this natural doctor... and when I tell you I felt that she was completely ableist is because SHE really was. It was almost like my very existing was wrong to her and she had to "fix" me. VERY rude starting the appointment with "So why are you here?" (yes because I think I got lost on my way to disneyland and I havent found mickey mouse yet *rolls eyes* ) almost immediately almost without getting to /know/ me she gives me instructions to do this REALLY restrictive diet in 6 weeks and didnt listen to any input I tried to tell her... She had so many misconceptions about me. 100% sure it was my weight, my cane, and long list of conditions. She asked what I ate and I was honest with her that I was eating healthier than ever and lately because of my fatigue i've been not doing so well that department. When she asked what I drink I told her I drink mostly water and "insert soda of choice here" Had she had let me talk she would realize that I do think about what I put in my body. I just enjoy everything in moderation. She didn't let me explain that my diet has changed drastically to the point that just moving from US to Australia I lost weight almost instantly and naturally. So she made all these assumptions about literally everything and didn't like the medicine regime I was on AGAIN I tried to explain that we haven't been able to control my pain very well so hence the pain killers. She proceeds to make some stupid analogy that we are (and I quote) "complicated plants that need the right amount of sunlight and that I wasn't giving my body the correct amount" which honestly to me translates to = You're a fat disabled fuck because you want to be and you don't really need that cane. Then suggested exercise and I interviene and say "well my mobility isnt the best right now *points to OBVIOUS mobility aid* I'm starting physio soon so I can build up to that" She was like "NO, I need you to walk in sunlight" at this point I was ready to walk out but anyways I was like "OK lets hear what she has to say" Needless to say somehow she got into my head and I was READY to throw out all my food and start this crazy diet but my husband who sat with in the appointment was like "no please think about it" she also wanted me to sleep at 9:30pm and wanted my husband in on the torture too... I tried telling her I have CFS/ME (which she should of known already at this point because she obviously typed in my list of chronic conditions ????????) and that that won't really help me and i'm a night owl always have been even before being disabled and that won't work for me because my husband comes home from work at 10pm so youre telling me to never see my husband again? or do anything? How am I supposed to adjust to timezones when I want to call my friends/family in america? how will I enjoy my hobbies? lately with my health life has been difficult these little things keep me feeling happy and fulfilled.

[@marydotjpeg]

The more I think about that appointment is she would of had a heart attack knowing that I switch between mobility aids interchangeably depending on how im doing on a certain day and that im an ambulatory wheelchair user XD

[@Hi_Im_Akward]

Invisible disability can be a huge issue. I've been denied help loading things into my car. I look young and able bodied, so it's assumed I can lift heavy things when I can't. Being nurodiverse, it's also a hidden disability. Largely social shunning when I don't understand specific social constructs. I've lost jobs because I didn't understand the social politics. But also situations where there is assistance available in places like school, but it's denied, or getting overwhelmed and over stimulated yet denied the ability to block out stimuli or seek a safe space. I'm glad you did a video on this. It makes a lot more sense to use disabalism in certain situations. There have been times where something feels unconsidered or not designed for disability but other times it has felt like an active attack or discrimination or hateful attitude towards my disabilities.

[@JuMixBoox]

I did not know that! Thank you for educating me in such a nuanced way!

[@aellalee4767]

Hope the infection goes away sooner than later so you can sleep soon. Another good video! I really appreciate being a part of your viewership. I recently realized I'm on the autism spectrum and I think watching you and other similar KZbinrs, it's helped me not think anything negative, and just consider if I want/need an official diagnosis rather than feeling like there's something "wrong" or "broken" because I know I'm just the normal me that I've always been. Thanks for being part of a wonderful community that normalizes these things that are in fact normal.

[@FletcherDoesStuff]

I use a cane everyday for my sciatic nerve pain and I'm tryinging to get a new job right now. The fact that I seriously have to think about how me having a cane will influence my ability to get hired is stressful!! Yes I can walk without it, and I use it mainly as preventative care so I may not be in pain right that second, but if I don't use it I WILL be in pain LATER. I firmly belive that employers may not hire me just to avoid the 'hassle' of accomidateing me, or would hire me then not actually do anything TO accommodate me. It was so frustrating that I had to get a doctors note saying I was in enough pain just to be able to sit down at work. AGH. Great video!

[@Kattaccino]

Oh god I've never been this early in my life. Looking forward to learning something new, as always ❤️ thanks for sharing your knowledge. I hope your infection clears up soon!

[@lanaeglover818]

Jessica, I absolutely love your energy in this one 😊

[@acetheenby1475]

Thank you for putting out such an informative and eloquent video on the use of these words, even though you weren't feeling well. I hope that your journey towards wellness is a swift one.

[@dragonalpaca3530]

weird that people don't want to make the world a better place for disabled people when they can become disabled at any time so easily and with no warning

[@packman2321]

I picked up the somewhat weird academic habit of always writing (dis)ability (dis)ableism etc in my work because of how interlinked and self-constituting all these categories of able-bodied (i.e. not disabled) and disabled (i.e. not able-bodied) seem to be. This was a really good summary video though. Always love these.

[@cassandramiller4477]

Thank you, Jessica! I'd never heard of disablism, but it makes so much sense!

[@swissarmyknight4306]

I am disabled, but I am physically fairly fit and quite strong, with no outward appearance of disability. But the thing is, I'm LEGALLY disabled, I've been through multiple binding arbitration processes that took literally years. I could get at special license plate for my car and everything, and I will once mobility becomes an issue. I have two different disabling conditions, each enough to fell me on its own, and a third that is still being diagnosed. The government literally legally admitted fault and accepted responsibility for my conditions and paid out a lifetime of compensation. And I still get this shit, even from my own family, because on a good day I can lift weights and I eat healthily, so I appear fit. I have to take care of myself so I can cope with my conditions. If I let myself go, my conditions get way worse, and I need all the help I can get. Nobody sees me when I'm incapacitated because I'm INCAPACITATED. I wish I could do a job. Any job. I have fantasized about being able to do manual labor professionally. Being unable to work is crushingly boring and I loved my jobs. Having to quit my jobs caused suicidal depression. My own mother calls me lazy, as though I don't have multiple diagnoses with legal documentation and the government legally admitting that they caused it, and I used to work 50-55 hours a week, you know, like a lazy person does. Its infuriating.

[@lauraketteridge324]

I hear you! People don't give lung function a second thought until it's their own lungs. When the lungs aren't co-operating things that were previously simple tasks turn into challenges, and ordinary things become impossible. The poorly functioning lungs require so much more work from the body. The heart ramps up activity to ensure there's enough oxygen getting to the brain, and the other bits of the body. But you really do have to do a huge amount of work, and it's tiring, so tiring. Use every mobility aid you possibly can. Let others run around after you. Do what you must, and then a few extra items to keep from going crazy.

[@reelchange8542]

I've been adding this into my vocabulary now. Thanks for bringing it to our attention! I sure hope your lung infection feels better soon and that you get some quality R &R / healing time