Working with a disability in an ableist society
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Working with a disability in an ableist society
Working with a disability in an ableist society is not easy. Here are four approaches to making an imperfect world work for disabled people.
Having a disability in an ableist society is not easy.Β The harsh truth is this: we live in an ableist society.
If you havenβt heard of ableism, itβs crucial that you understand what this term means. Ableism is βdiscrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities.β Our world doesnβt cater to people with disabilities, whether these are physical issues or invisible ones, such as mental illness.
As a person with disabilities, I can attest to the fact that society doesnβt care about the things that I need to create a life where Iβm comfortable and able to function well. Itβs commonplace for people to discriminate against those with disabilities; individuals often assume what we can or canβt do. For people like me, it makes it excruciating to exist in a society where my disability is viewed as a βproblem.β Despite the societal deficits in accommodating those with disabilities, thereβs hope, and we can figure out how to navigate a world that doesnβt understand what we experience on a daily basis.
1. In an ableist society: advocate for yourself
Nobody can tell you what you want and need. Whether you have a disability or not, you know your needs better than anyone else. Be brave and communicate what accommodations you need to help you get through work or school. If you need accommodation, ask for it. There are legal repercussions if someone is unwilling to give you what you need. Theyβre violating TheΒ Americans with Disabilities ActΒ (ADA.) You have grounds to speak up and say whatβs happening here. You deserve to get what you need, and youβre not asking for anything out of the ordinary to help you and your health.
2. You can only do what you can do
Itβs frustrating when youβre in a situation where youβre expected to be able to do something and you canβt. Many people with a disability have experienced where they feel like they βshouldβ be able to complete a task, but for whatever reason, theyβre not able to do it. As people with disabilities, weβve felt extreme guilt for being unable to do what other people can. You might feel depressed or defective because you canβt do it the way society wants you to, and your feelings are valid.
But, hereβs a secret you may not know, you can do it your way. You donβt have to complete a job like someone who is neurotypical or doesnβt have a disability. There are times that you wonβt be able to do a job, take an academic class, or engage in a social activity; donβt be ashamed to tell people what you canβt do and remember that thereβs so, so much that you can do β donβt beat yourself up for what you canβt do.
3. Find and use your strengths
As someone with a disability, I wonder why things are difficult for me. Tasks are inherently more challenging for us. I consider whatβs harder for us and what we canβt do. Letβs shift our focus from what we canβt do to what we can accomplish. You have talents that other people donβt possess.
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Maybe youβre like me and experience deep hyperfocus as a result of your ADHD that lets you get projects done at a rapid speed. Perhaps youβre incredibly empathetic, and youβre able to help people as a result of your disability. Find your strengths and use them. Youβll find that engaging in activities that emphasize what youβre good at doing makes you feel a sense of pride.
4. Make the world work for you
Once you find your strengths, youβll feel good about yourself, and you can look for opportunities to use those talents. There are many possibilities for you to shine in this world, although itβs not designed for us. Youβll see that youβre capable, and you have unique qualities to offer others and the world. Our society is ableist, and that is a huge problem we need to continue to fight collectively. As we continue that battle, letβs show the world (and ourselves) what we have to offer, and thereβs so much weβre ready to share.

Sarah Fader
Sarah is a native New Yorker who enjoys naps, talking to strangers, and caring for her two small humans and two average-sized cats. Like six million other Americans, Sarah lives with Bipolar type II, OCD ADHD, and PTSD
Caption:
You might feel depressed or defective because you can't do it the way society wants you to. But, here's a secret you may not know, you can do it your way.