How to Be an Anti-Ableist Ally | Christine vs Work

When your company envisions a “normal” employee or a “normal” customer, who do they see? And when does that definition of “normal” underscore an ableist bias within the business?
00:00 Facts you should know
00:59 Meet Lydia X. Z. Brown
01:36 Is my workplace ableist?
03:33 What does ableism look like?
05:35 How to be an anti-ableist ally
07:42 How to own up to mistakes
08:40 What needs to change?
Ableism is defined as discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. And, essentially, ableism is a set of values and beliefs about what kinds of people are normal and what kinds of people aren't. Similar to sexism, or racism, or ageism - ableism is wrong, ableism is hurtful, and ableism is systemic.
I wanted to know: What does ableism at work look like? If you do see it, how can you be a better ally? And what can we do to create fairer work environments that are inclusive to all? I sought answers from Lydia X. Z. Brown, disability justice advocate, disability studies adjunct professor, attorney-activist, and organizer. Watch and learn how to recognize ableist policies and systems at work, tactical ways to be a better ally, and why chasing productivity has a real human cost.
This video originally published on HBR's Ascend KZbin Channel in August, 2022.
Learn more about Lydia X. Z. Brown’s work:
lydiaxzbrown.com/
autistichoya.net/
/ lydiaxzbr. .
Produced by Andy Robinson, Christine Liu, and Kelsey Alpaio
Video and Editing by Andy Robinson, Christine Liu
Animation and Design by Alex Belser and Karen Player
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#humanrights #inclusion #allyship

[@Rainniefonny]

Love your jacket!!

[@Dismythed]

As having a very severe case of ADHD-PI (Possibly autistic), I have been a victim of ableism in almost every discussion I have ever had about work and hobbies. When my job was illegally threatened in front of someone, they didn't speak up for me. But I didn't let myself dwell on why they didn't, nor did I jump to conclusions. Why? Some people freeze up because they just weren't prepared to deal with the issue. (That it took so long for them to apologize to you for not speaking up means it bothered them that they didn't.) Just because they never thought about how they would respond in that situation beforehand doesn't mean they don't care or didn't want to. It's not always about you. Anxiety, fear of retaliation, fear of confrontation, fight-flight-freeze, simply not knowing what to do and other issues could be at play. Maybe they already have marks on their record and would be skating on too thin of ice. The point is, you don't know and shouldn't judge, nor even bother guessing. It's not worth the mental space. That they apologized means they empathize and thought about it and that is a lot more than you'll get from more than 80% of the people. So instead of finding the bad in it, why not just be grateful for their concern? Oftentimes people who are victims of discrimination do not realize that they themselves are being discriminatory by calling attention to every little thing that could remotely be viewed as discriminatory. The real question you should ask yourself is why they should need to speak up for you if you're not willing to speak up for yourself? Also, if you yourself are in that situation, watching someone else receive unfair treatment, how are you going to handle it? Have YOU ever thought about it? In fact, have you ever done it? I suggest a person in that situation handle it with tact and not get uppity. Politely take the discriminator aside and make them aware that they may be breaking a law or simply stepping over a socially unacceptable line. (That latter one is a bit risky for you to call out.) If they turn to threatening you for calling out illegal activity, then threaten them back that you could involve the police or call a lawyer if you wanted to. Mutually assured destruction is a strong deterrent and shows strength that the offender may find useful for a position of responsibility along with your integrity.

[@jsladenumuno]

This will make an interesting exhibit in the post-US era; the premier elite school telling you to not give a shit about ability.

[@sweet_sheida16]

Requested some legal workplace accommodations due to my disability from my doctor and still one of my managers are giving me hard time about it. Ironically, my job has DEI trainings all the time and the CEO even has a DEI statement. But I still am facing discrimination.

[@chiquita683]

There was a protest nearby on a new construction that was trying to build an accessibility ramp. Its disgusting that ableists dont think everyone is capable of using stairs. Keep fighting the good fight

[@dbsk06]

I think the US is the worst in terms of lack of infrastructure for people with disabilities compared to Europe and even Asia it’s horrifying

[@HaywoodJablowmi-cz8ic]

Not even remotely close if you'd do any research. While not the best in the world the US actually outshines most countries in terms of disability accessibility and services.

[@inkisblackiswhiteis1]

What about the government failing their audit 6 times in a row? This should help fund ablist