Nursery World - Why we need to be aware of ableism

Stephen Kilgour outlines why it is unfair to a child to label their needs as additional because they are neurodivergent, or have a physical disability. In line with this it is crucial that provision is adapted to meet the needs of each child, rather than making attempts to adapt the child.

'Communication is key when it comes to considering ableism'.

Ableism is a term with which educators may not be familiar. It is a type of discrimination which favours people without disabilities and, as a consequence, harms disabled people. Ableism comes in many different forms, for instance a policy which gives no regard to disabled people, people’s own beliefs and views, and ultimately society’s overall norms and values.

Most of us would never knowingly discriminate against people with disabilities but we can be unaware of our own privilege as neurotypical and non-disabled people. Identifying our own privilege linked to ableism is important. What barriers do neurodivergent and disabled people face day-to-day that neurotypical people don’t even need to consider? An example might be something as commonplace as being able to access public transport with ease.

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