‘Am I disabled?’: Confronting your internalised ableism | Jo Copson | TEDxYouth@BrayfordPool

Introduction

This tutorial aims to help you confront and challenge internalised ableism, a mindset often shaped by societal views on disability. Drawing on Jo Copson's insights from her TEDx talk, we will explore practical steps to better understand disability, advocate for yourself and others, and promote a more inclusive perspective.

Step 1: Understand Internalised Ableism

• Reflect on your own beliefs and assumptions about disability.
• Consider the following questions:
  • Do you view disability as a personal tragedy?
  • Do you feel ‘lucky’ to not be disabled?
• Acknowledge that these perceptions contribute to internalised ableism, which can negatively affect your self-view and the way you treat others.

Step 2: Educate Yourself on Disabilities

• Research various disabilities to broaden your understanding. Focus on:
  • Physical disabilities
  • Chronic illnesses (like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome)
  • Mental health conditions
• Utilize credible resources, such as:
  • Medical websites
  • Advocacy organizations
  • Personal accounts and blogs
• Engage with disability communities to learn from their experiences.

Step 3: Challenge Your Perceptions

• Actively question your biases regarding disability. Ask yourself:
  • Why do I hold these views?
  • How do they affect my interactions with disabled individuals?
• Practice empathy by putting yourself in the experiences of those who face disabilities daily.

Step 4: Advocate for Yourself and Others

• Use your newfound understanding to support both yourself and others:
  • If you have a disability, seek accommodations that enable you to thrive.
  • If you are non-disabled, speak up against ableism and support disability rights.
• Share information and resources through social media platforms or community events.

Step 5: Engage in Conversations About Disability

• Initiate and participate in discussions about disability in various settings:
  • Schools
  • Workplaces
  • Social gatherings
• Share insights from your learning journey to promote awareness and understanding.

Step 6: Follow and Support Disability Advocates

• Connect with advocates like Jo Copson on platforms such as Instagram to stay informed and inspired.
• Share their content to raise awareness about disabilities and the challenges faced by individuals within the community.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can begin to confront and challenge your internalised ableism. Understanding disability from a more informed perspective not only benefits you but also contributes to a more inclusive society. Consider taking additional steps, such as becoming involved in local disability advocacy groups, to further your commitment to this cause.