New presentation for schools and youth: Everyday Ableism and How to Recognize It

When I was first asked to be a guest speaker at a workshop for high school students on ableism, the final workshop in a 4-part series on discrimination, the organizer said she wanted the students to be aware of ableist experiences in everyday life.

I had the idea to share some of the personal experiences of ableist comments I’ve gotten before and how I’ve felt internalized ableism, but thought “would I really have enough examples to make that work?”

Turns out the answer was yes 🙃 from “do you think your ex broke up with you because he thought you wouldn’t be able to keep a house clean?” from a family member, to “So laziness is a disability?” from a random internet man on YouTube, to somehow both wondering if I have “enough” of a disability AND feeling like someone without my disability might be better at my job last summer - let’s just say when I thought about it, the content was definitely there. 🥲

Yesterday I spoke to students at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School in Oshawa with my newest presentation, Everyday Ableism and How to Recognize It, for Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion. I got some beautiful comments in the student feedback, and I’m excited to bring this presentation to more schools or youth organizations!💃🏽✨