Proof that Ableism is Pervasive in Society

Ramps! Ramps are the proof. Recently, someone questioned my use of the word "ableism" to describe society's tendency to favor typical people over those with disabilities. It's a real thing, y'all. For example, everyone can use a ramp (including people with handcarts, strollers, etc) but only the able-bodied can use stairs. In spite of this obvious fact, stairs are the rule rather than the exception, often limiting where people with disabilities can work, live, eat, shop, worship, go to school, socialize and pretty much everything everyone else does..

Inevitably, when I start talking about this sort of thing, someone will feel compelled to tell me a story about how their brother's girlfriend's neighbor knew a guy (not a guy, a kid. It's always a kid), who "overcame" his disability and learned to drag himself up the stairs, and he's SUCH an inspiration.

The only thing a story like that should inspire you to do is demand more practical accessibility standards. No one should have to resort to becoming a spectacle. I'll take dignity and independence over fleeting, warm fuzzy admiration any day.

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