The Discrimination You've Never Heard Of | Alan Raskin | TEDxAllendaleColumbiaSchool

While topics such as racism, sexism, and homophobia crowd our media, most have never even heard of ableism, and it mostly starts in the average middle school classroom. Ableism is discrimination of people with IDD (Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities). The one factor that sets ableism apart is that it is a lifelong struggle. Alan's talk gets at the heart of discrimination but from a very different perspective. Alan Raskin attends Calkins Road Middle school and is in the 8th Grade. He is actively involved in the Student Council as Vice President. He joined Best Buddies, a non-profit organization focused on ending ableism, one year ago and became president of the school chapter. He has been fighting against the discrimination of people with disabilities ever since. He also enjoys traveling, geography, and gardening. He lives with his Mom, Dad, and sister in Pittsford NY. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@tracik1277]

Dude is a great public speaker! One thing that keeps this type of discrimination going is that it’s used as a joking slur amongst ‘able’ people. That makes it propagate invisibly.

[@EZappa88]

Alan, that was an admirable performance! Props for sticking up for what's right. People with IDD deserve the utmost respect. You're gonna do amazing things for this community!

[@user-cl1gc1sk9p]

THATS MY BEST FRIEND!!!!!!

[@godisthedotntheeye696]

I, am 61 years old I would really like too hear from this young man Personally. I have tears rolling from my eyes because this just happened too me...I need too hear from this young man.

[@Unkn0wn1133]

Wow this young man has more common sense than “adults” I work with. Thank you for this. You raise awareness on something I deal with almost daily, and I didnt know it had a name.

[@Mr._Zachtastic]

I believe in everything he said. I have disabilities, and I have dreams of building classic cars and hot rods. I know how to drive many things, and am a great paint and bodywork guy, only for classic cars, but since I have septo optic dysplasia, which is why I've only seen from my left eye my whole life. I'm riding my bike long distance without getting lost, or getting hit, or hitting something, but because of this, society has labeled me as legally blind. To me, that's a bunch of garb. I don't need a cane, I don't need to learn Braille, I don't need a seeing eye dog, but yet people say I should work at a factory full of completely blind people, who are 3 times my age. I also hear that I will most likely hit and kill someone, and be a liability on the road. I also have high functioning Asperger's, and have been told I don't know right from wrong. I don't need to have someone put a leash on what I want to do, and things society wants me to do. Because of this ableism, I don't mind living off of social security. I don't work, and because of this, no stress, worries, or strife. One day, I will be doing what I want to do. After all, I'm a free spirit, who's not afraid to do work and help out, but I do have my boundaries. I mean c'mon. Leave the non disabled people have all the fun and freedom? I don't think so. 😎

[@tatumtricarico5615]

Wow Alan! This is fantastic. Thank you for standing up for people with disabilities. Keep fighting for rights and being an ally no matter what people say. You are fantastic and making a better world for people like me, with disabilities. Thank you for changing the world little by little. You rock!

[@01dixi]

He needs to clarify his definition of ableism. It is not just intellectual discrimination. It can be just physical. I have Cerebral Palsy and am an elementary school teacher. I'm not intellectually disabled. It is purely physical. I do realize that the word "developmental" technically includes the physical but when most people hear the term "developmentally disabled" they automatically think about intellectual development but, for a kid, he did a GREAT job! Wonderful points that need to be brought to the forefront of all discrimination.

[@lorismithokon9028]

Thank you for educating children and thank you for being a leader in our community

[@adamdomenicpacione7574]

Yes his focus is more on intillectual disability. It is very respectable that he is standing up for other people's rights.

[@saigonese.nguyen]

His confidence and his voice could draw the attention of anyone. He was admirable! I was shaking every time I had to deliver a presentation 🤣

[@lunam9022]

this kid is going places! thanks for sticking up for us ❤️

[@djungelskogsn7529]

I had the pleasure of meeting Alan over the summer at Best Buddies Leadership Conference. We talked as if we had known each other our entire lives. He is one of my biggest fans, and I am so thankful to know him.

[@AJ-tz2lh]

As a person with cerebral palsy I have felt the effects of ablism... it hurts fam. It’s pretty sad that no one cares at all as some of these comments show. Thanks for standing up for us

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

I do too

[@mo2wheelz74]

I have spina bifida 😊

[@mikaela1897]

Super eloquent and accurate to what a lot of kids go through on a daily basis 👏🏼 wish I could explain ableism this well in everyday life as well as a middle schooler. Ableist slang is a common thing that needs to be addressed more.

[@krisrhood2127]

It bothers me when people call things insane

[@shoshannafachima1306]

This young man is intellegent beyond his years and is erudite Bravo upon your truly excellent speech

[@Mr._Zachtastic]

Ableism makes me sick. Being born with a few disabilities myself, I've been there. People in Elementary school and middle school calling me names. People doubting your ability to do the things you know you can do. People trying to get me to only work with people who are also disabled, and then complain when I am discouraged and disgusted by society, and don't want to work, and keep living off of social security. Benefits that I can and will continue to use whenever I want wether society likes it or not. It's time we stop this foolish ableism, and embrace equality. We can all be friends, but I guess the rest of society hasn't thought about it yet.

[@jenwells7973]

This is amazing!!!! So smart for such a young boy! Keep doing what you’re doing!!!! The world needs more people like you Alan!

[@adamdomenicpacione7574]

Reminds me of a younger more smart version of myself. My focus is mostly on minority rights and fair treatment. Only 22 also from Gen z. Never thought of ableisim. He opened my mind.

[@ThePeterDislikeShow]

The worst kind is when the disabled person has a dietary restriction. Learn to accept no for an answer for food just like you would for other things involving someone's body. It's that simple.

[@Error403HRD]

Thank you.

[@robinross7928]

Amazing, Alan. Thanks for opening your mind, heart, and door to inclusion.

[@Magnulus76]

When I think of ableism in society, I don't think of people throwing around epithets. I think about how people on Supplemental Security Income who are disabled can't get married to another disabled person out of fear of losing their only source of income. That is real ableism. It comes from a place of pure indifference to the autonomy and dignity of disabled persons.

[@sacredtransformations7691]

The best video I've seen on ableism-this kid is going to go far in life.

[@lydiamaloney849]

Awesome job Alan!!!!! U did an awesome job!!!! This was written so well and I am sooooooooooo HAPPY!!!!!!! Best Buddies!!!!!!! Woo hoooo!!!!!!!! I am totally speechless!!!

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

I'm physically disabled and the worst ableism that I've experienced is by woke, rich, white leftists. All that I want is equality of opportunity.

[@jilliangtz2101]

Ironic that this is a video about ableism and the captions provided are auto-generated (which is NEVER an acceptable replacement for accessible quality captions with punctuations, spelling, capitalizations, identifiers of speaker(s), descriptive audio). And no transcript for our valued blind and DeafBlind members either.

[@lorismithokon9028]

Great job! Keep advocating!!!!!

[@paigecunningham464]

yassss Alan, this is so empowering!!!

[@cookiemonster9523]

Alan you did amazing. Don’t listen to these people who don’t know anything. You did nothing wrong you didn’t say anyone’s names. Don’t blame your self keep empowering people don’t listen to haters. Keep your head high.

[@lydiamaloney849]

Alan u r sooooo brave and I wish that I had that characteristic☺

[@lydiamaloney849]

I agree with Cookie Monster

[@ricksanchezzb2488]

Does ADHD count?

[@twiglegg508]

Yes

[@andreasanchez1453]

Yes

[@user-cl1gc1sk9p]

YOU DID AMAZING!!!!!!!!

[@TheAutisticGeek206]

I am high functioning on a moderate functioning level of autism spectrum disorder with an intellectual disorder, and I usually thought my teachers, & doctors with my therapist are usually trying to help me by saying the truth.

[@elmo4032]

Oh thank god. It’s being discussed.

[@clinton8421]

At least one person in that audience probably learned that the R-word isn't a medical term anymore.

[@emmasullivan9871]

loved this video my school had the top rated best buddies program in our state and we had several end the word assemblies signed it my freshman year and haven't used it since. there is no need for the r word in our vocabulary

[@mndunkerque2497]

Now this guy has common sense

[@disneyking337]

I agree with you

[@karanbirsingh6871]

Great job Alan!!!

[@aleblanco]

Everyone let’s take one deep breath and realize that youre overreacting he could’ve used names but didn’t so stop getting triggered

[@ellieherrmann323]

Thank you so much Ale Blanco for actually being responsible in this situation

[@jacklingharibian554]

Abolish ableism. Abolish speciesism.

[@redfoxbennaton]

Autism jokes used to be funny. Oh wait! they never where. Show some respect.

[@aleblanco]

Alan great job!

[@heidiinsalaco3730]

you did great

[@lilytucker8444]

Unfortunately you have to be a certain age for best buddies and many other groups like them.... that’s what I was told... (I have high functioning autism, scoliosis, lordosis, slip disk, a deformed tail bone, broken ribs, and many more that is too much to text right now especially because I have not slept yet because of crazy people that I don’t know keeps bothering me and will not let me sleep

[@mollie-wankenobi8655]

You did great Alan! I'd say more but I'm not in the mood to get in a comment fight.

[@BookBird2963]

Agreed.

[@lauriechaisson4931]

Wow an amazing young man there ❤

[@ellieherrmann323]

Nice job Alan

[@keffen]

alan u never told me

[@benjaminsolliday7645]

AYYYYYEEEE

[@BookBird2963]

Good job, Alan!

[@karanbirsingh6871]

You are so good

[@josiahb10]

Anyone here from tiktok?

[@idontcareaboutyou6049]

Read the description it specifically says Alan Raskin attends Calkins Road Midle School

[@samcad-ho3ze]

Yes!!!!

[@mbmaline]

as a autistic woman this made me want cry

[@charlenezacks8105]

What about people with learning disabilities? This is NOT an intellectual disability!

[@ethanvanilla3582]

So this is what an unnamed health teacher was talking about...

[@ReluctantLion]

Authoritarian nuclear families are so over.

[@jaybreezy309]

Great Job Alan!!!!

[@user-cl1gc1sk9p]

I LOVE YOUUUU!!!!!

[@heidiinsalaco3730]

yaass slay lil man

[@tonywalton1052]

I don't use the 'T' word "ted talk"

[@chickensoup9789]

11/10 ILY

[@lydiamaloney849]

I have to say infinity/10

[@Landry85]

So what’s it called ...when someone who doesn’t LOOK disabled (although is truly legally disabled) becomes a victim of a crime... as a result of someone who thought that person was not disabled? I know someone who’s in this situation right now. I’m embarrassed to,say, I really thought what I’m wondering/asking about here, what disability discrimination. Let’s be honest here. Most people have come in contact with someone in their life who was legally disabled, even if we didn’t think they seemed disabled. Life’s tough for all of us, but that hypothetical would be a bitter pill to swallow. It sucks to not be able to strive to do the best you can do bc your boss or someone you work with or whomever thinks you’re able so you gotta let them see your issue, your weakness your disability so they’ll maybe finally treat you fairly, bc that’s what people deserve anyway. Seems to me if someone is already struggling, they don’t need more problems. From the short time I’ve been exposed to the situation I’ve described here, these are really bad circumstances. Apparently it’s been bad enough that It’s a huge underlying contributing factor to someone’s pending death/unfortunate fate... So is this also disability discrimination? If it’s not then what’s it called? Ultimately an “able person “ making an inaccurate determination regarding someone’s ability, or rather disability- is leading to their death now. So would this be disability discrimination too? I hope I worded the this right, it’s hard to explain.

[@JustAnotherPerson4U]

If their disability doesn't factor into someone's reason to commit a crime against that person. Then it isn't. If that victim is specifically targetted because of something that is related to their disability. Then yes, I would argue it is ableist. Because they are being targetted for a difference that they are unable to change/control. For example, a undiagnosed autistic schoolchild is bullied because they frequently clap their hands in a funny way. They may not KNOW the kid is autistic, but the bullies are picking on them for not being normal and acting like the other kids. So that is ableist driven bullying and although it may not be known as Yes, I know the arguments of kids will be cruel and always find a reason to bully. But they're not bullying in this case for a common reason like clothes, or maybe for a silly decision that the child made. They're bullying for a repeated action the child needs. So even in retrospect an act can become ableist if the act related to how the person looked or acted because of their disability. Basically the rule of thumb is that even if you don't know if the person has a disability because they're 'normal looking'. If the crime done to them was driven by how they acted as a result of their disability then yes I would say it is ableist. I say that because neurotypicals seems to have some sort of scent tracker or something (or a weirdar as I call it) that tends to be able to spot the odd one out of the pack even if they appear normal. (Skill on this ranges, but most can tell something is different)

[@heidiinsalaco3730]

ur my fav

[@heidiinsalaco3730]

this will get to one million views

[@kopi6850]

The most twitter moment comment I've seen

[@nathanhancey254]

I don't have anything against Alan. I am just mad that he gave misleading information.

[@aleblanco]

Nathan Hancey bruh

[@aleblanco]

Nathan Hancey he didn’t even say a name so how do u know it’s even about who u think it’s about

[@aleblanco]

Are your parents actually gonna do a lawsuit... just curious

[@BookBird2963]

Please don't fight.

[@afireinhearts1302]

♥️

[@karandeeprandhawa6611]

Wow powerful 👏

[@heidiinsalaco3730]

my baby

[@idontcareaboutyou6049]

Oh and by the way thanks for giving everyone the local of our school

[@nathanhancey254]

I agree Andrew.

[@Maddy-ve7mq]

actually believe it or not, your friend and you are the ones that are wrong! So interesting right!

[@bigboyben1584]

No one made fun of the best buddies kids

[@orimendat3269]

I always love a good story even if it’s fake

[@nathanhancey254]

Alan never asked permission to talk about people in our schools in public. Also some of what he says is by definition is false.

[@cookiemonster9523]

Nathan Hancey he didn’t say anyone’s names so he didn’t do anything wrong. learn something

[@NinaInPikachusBasement]

Nate, he didn't use names, and its not illegal, and none of this is false. I would know.

[@BookBird2963]

Please don't fight.

[@WritingSch]

They said those things in a public place. Learn more about the law :)

[@heidiinsalaco3730]

omg I love you

[@obamabetwerkinbophello1985]

I'm so artistic darn it i can't even get this math question right

[@Landry85]

Amazon trying to salvage themselves now? I used to really like amazon. I only buy from them now, when absolutely necessary. They’re full of 💩

[@heidiinsalaco3730]

omg I loveyou

[@harryvought5934]

This is not true people did not give mean looks to disabled people in school I should know I’m in the same school as he is in

[@nathanhancey254]

You all don’t understand what I’m trying to say! Alan has put us all in danger! There is enough info for people to find out where we go to school! I’ m afraid for our safety!

[@nathanhancey254]

PS Andrew’s parents are honesty thinking about making a lawsuit.

[@nathanhancey254]

No there is enough info still

[@NinaInPikachusBasement]

Nate. He didn't use names, and Megan is right, if Andrew didn't make it VERY clear that this was him, then this conversation wouldn't happen

[@BookBird2963]

Nate...if you had not just stated that you go to our school, your identity would not have been revealed.

[@heidiinsalaco3730]

hubby

[@tenzennicholas2127]

waig now way

[@harryvought5934]

Most of this is fake and over exaggerated

[@Maddy-ve7mq]

what is fake? because its not.

[@harryvought5934]

Your right it is not fake but over exaggerated and only tells parts of the truth

[@Maddy-ve7mq]

you don't need the other part of the truth. what happened, happened and you can't change that.

[@NinaInPikachusBasement]

None of this is over-exaggerated. This is all true

[@lydiamaloney849]

I agree with Rain Hyper

[@joncraig7676]

Aren’t u jesus

[@hhijazi6296]

Give it a rest, kid. Your snowflake narrative is philosophically unsound

[@Maddy-ve7mq]

Im sorry, but what exactly did he do wrong?

[@Maddy-ve7mq]

thats really funny because thats a lie

[@Maddy-ve7mq]

alright good! problem solved, Alan did amazing.

[@NinaInPikachusBasement]

Andrew, if he wanted to say your name, he would have

[@freddostudios6186]

How is saying disabled people shouldn't be discriminated against being a snowflake

[@dsadsa2616]

I tink aBliSm is stoopd and peple shouyd stahp itt

[@Maddy-ve7mq]

how old are you again?

[@mollie-wankenobi8655]

Puddles nobody knows........

[@NinaInPikachusBasement]

One mystery of the universe..