This Disability History Month, we have put together 10 ways to be an ally, including personal reflections and recommendations from our very own students who have a disability.
1. Educate yourself. Via podcasts, books, documentaries, talks, social media and much more to learn about what disability means for different people. For example, hidden disabilities, physical disabilities, those who consider themselves to be neurodivergent, those with mental health conditions, long-term health conditions or a specific learning difference.
Here are some bitesize training opportunities and resources to help you get started:
- Disability training on Blackboard
- Neurodiversity training on Blackboard
- Autism toolkit on SharePoint
“With my dyslexia, it affects my processing and reading speed, taking longer for me to understand in an academic sense. However, someone else’s dyslexia may affect them in a completely different way. Therefore, I think it is key to recognise there can be a difference in how a disability affects each person, while being conscious to not compare disabilities in a superficial way.” – Grace
2. Understand what ableism and disablism are. Find out ways to challenge it and speak up when you come across such actions (or non-actions), language, or behaviours.
3. Discover the many reasons why accessibility matters. Accessibility is by everyone for everyone. Consider accessibility in everything you do. If there are accessibility issues or opportunities to improve, you may wish to politely point it out. Check out our digital accessibility course on Blackboard as just one way we can be accessible.
“Many of my friends tell me that since being my friend, they think about accessibility so much more than they would have before – I think if everyone had this awareness of accessibility, the world would be a lot more accessible!” – Becca
4. Follow disability advocates, content creators and influencers on social media. Engage and share their work to help amplify their voices.
5. Words are powerful: Model inclusive language.
- Wherever possible, use person-first language. For example, “They are a person with a disability, not a disabled person.” If a person does not have a disability, avoid “able-bodied” and use the term “non-disabled”.
- When you are not sure what term or word to use in a situation, don’t guess. Be led by the individual about the language they use. If appropriate, ask them in a considerate way e.g., not in front of a room full of people.
- Research language to avoid and use. For example, avoid outdated language that can have a negative connotation – the table sourced from GOV.UK provides just some examples as guidance:
mentally handicapped, mentally defective, retarded, subnormal with a learning disability (singular) with learning disabilities (plural) spastic person with cerebral palsy mental patient, insane, mad person with a mental health condition deaf and dumb; deaf mute deaf, user of British Sign Language (BSL), person with a hearing impairment the blind people with visual impairments; blind people; blind and partially sighted people an epileptic, diabetic, depressive, and so on person with epilepsy, diabetes, depression or someone who has epilepsy, diabetes, depression fits, spells, attacks seizures
6. Avoid labelling people with a disability by their assistive device. For example, say “a person who uses a wheelchair” or “wheelchair user” instead of “a person in a wheelchair.”
7. Avoid making assumptions about someone’s lived experiences and/or their desires. For example, don’t assume someone with a disability feels burdened or victimised and avoid passive, victim words.
“There is a great Ted Talk: ‘Inspiration porn and the objectification of disability’ available on YouTube. It gave me a whole new insight into disability and people’s perception of it – even though I have a disability myself!” – Becca
“I have learned to not be judgmental – that those with a seemingly debilitating condition actually have a very fulfilling life, and those who may seem ‘normal’ to me are in reality suffering, perhaps due to a mental health condition not visible to the eye.” – Kira
“I have found in the past I have often used my learning difficulty as an excuse for things, like it is separate from me and a nuisance I have to bear with. However, over time I have realised it is not necessarily a negative thing. It has resulted in my passion for visual arts (as that appeals more to me than written word due to my dyslexia directly affecting my reading and processing speed) and led me to take the degree I am now pursuing. My dyslexia does not need to restrict me in all paths of life, I can use it to enhance my passions.” – Grace
8. Make a small change to make a big difference. Using public transport can be more challenging for people with a disability but small changes from other passengers could make a big difference. For example, being prepared to give up a priority seat, being prepared to help each other, and keeping the noise down when you are on the phone or listening to music.
Remember not all disabilities are visible – watch this video series on SharePoint about hidden disabilities. Further videos and resources are available on the SUSU Disability History Month campaign webpage.
“Reflecting on my own understanding of disability, I have gained a much deeper understanding of the huge range of disabilities, both obvious and hidden, and all affecting individuals in different ways. My one piece of advice to myself and others is to be more conscious about the challenges faced by people living with disabilities in day-to-day life so we can have a greater understanding and awareness of how our own behaviour impacts others.” – Kira
“I would say the most important thing is to communicate – do not make assumptions about someone’s requirements or access needs. But with this comes a respect for privacy – someone should not have to tell you their ‘story’ for you to respect their needs.” – Becca
9. Attend events and activities in the community. Recap on our earlier Disability History Month SUSSED post to find out what is happening across our community as part of the month.
10. Understand it is a journey. Becoming a good ally is a process and a journey. Understand that you will make mistakes. Be open to feedback and others’ input as an opportunity for self-growth. If you make a mistake, take the time to understand, reflect, and take steps to do better in the future: it is better to be an imperfect ally than not be an ally at all.
“I am eager to discover ways I can make my language and actions more inclusive. I have so much more to learn, as I am sure will be the same for most of the population. UK Disability History Month is the first stepping-stone on a path to complete inclusivity.” – Kira
The Student Hub
Remember, The Student Hub is your first point of contact for disability and wellbeing support. Visit The Student Hub Student Disability and Inclusion SharePoint site for further details about available support.
Credit: This year’s winning artwork for the Disability History Month competition by Yiming Zheng.
News you may also be interested in:
Student SUSSED article: Disability History Month 2022: What’s on and why it matters
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