Ableism

A key element to creating a classroom free of ableism is reimagining the concept of inclusivity. But with so many students having individualized learning programs, sometimes it can be difficult creating a learning environment that is as inclusive as you’d like it to be. In this video we hear from Special Education teacher Jeremy Ault about the ways in which educators can approach ableism by formatting your instruction, and shifting both your and your student’s mindsets.

Additional Resources

Continue learning and making your education spaces more inclusive with the following free, high-quality educational media from PBS Wisconsin Education and PBS LearningMedia.  Explore the stories, ideas, and profiles of students and educators embracing a reality that defines students their unique talents.

Grades PreK-5

• Supporting Autistic Children A collection of videos, articles, and supporting activities to discuss autism and how it is different for each person and family. (grades PreK-2)
• Move to Include: Disabilities and Different Abilities: a multi-platform public media initiative designed to promote inclusion for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. (grades 3-13+)
• Music Integration: an educator PD resource to help you learn how using music in the classroom can support extending concentration for both students in general education and special education. (grades K-2)
• Power Up with Determination | Girl Power!: A young woman who was born with spina bifida who is an athlete and a leader. (grades K-5)

Grades 6-12

• Move to Include A multi-platform initiative designed to promote inclusion for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. (grades 3-12)
• Nervous System Engineers | Meet the Lab: Miranda Ramirez-Vang suffered a spinal cord injury at a very young age. Learning about treatments for her injury led to a career in science. (Grades 6-8)
• The Grown Ups This series from the Move to Include collection examines the challenges adults with Downs Syndrome face as they establish independent lives. (grades 6-12)
• Muhammad Ali & Elite Athletes’ Experiences of Physical and Mental Health: a lesson to engage students in a group research activity to examine how Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, mental health, and other physical injuries have affected Ali and other elite athletes. (Grades 6-12)

With a strengths mindset, seeing and appreciating others as unique individuals, and reflecting on what Jeremy describes as how “you’re projecting in space,” you can build a setting where children and adults can dismantle an ableist worldview, accepting all abilities as normal.