Disability Awareness and
Ableism
Ableism
What does "disability" mean?
A physical or mental condition that affects a person’s movements, senses, or activities
Name at least 2 things that autistic people can be really good at.
Knowing a lot about things they're interested in, thinking and learning in different ways, noticing details, all kinds of different things!
People with ADHD may hyperfocus on things they're interested in. What does "hyperfocus" mean? How could it be good and challenging?
It means they focus on what they're interested in for a long time.
This means they're usually really good at the things they're interested in, and know a lot about it.
This also means it can be hard to shift to focus on other things.
True or false: Intellectual disability often goes along with other disabilities
True. It's common for people with Cerebral Palsy, autism, Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi, brain injury, etc.
The word "handicapped" is outdated and makes folks uncomfortable. What words can we use instead?
disabled or accessible
Name at least 2 things that might be difficult for autistic people.
Understanding or noticing social rules, unexpected changes, communicating the exact same way as others, loud noises, bright lights
Name at least 2 strengths that people with ADHD can have.
Being good at things they're interested in, creativity, mastering new hobbies, noticing details, chatting/talking with people, all kinds of things!
True or false: people with intellectual disabilities can be very different from one another.
True. They can have all different kinds of strengths and challenges.
What does "ableism" mean? Give an example of ableism.
Ableism means forgetting or not caring about the needs of disabled people, or thinking that disabled people can't do things.
Examples: having stairs but no ramp or elevator, having sound with no closed captioning or sign language, having writing with no braille, thinking that wheelchair-users can't play basketball
Autistic people might experience "sensory overload." What does this mean? Give an example.
When something bothers your senses and makes you feel very stressed or overwhelmed.
Examples: when you have to sit still for too long, being in a very loud & crowded place, when too many people are talking, when clothes are itchy or uncomfortable, when lights are too bright
Name at least 2 things that can be challenging for people with ADHD.
Noticing or understanding social rules, sitting still, ignoring distractions, making decisions, being able to pause and think before acting/talking
Name 2 strengths and 2 challenges that people with intellectual disabilities might have.
Strengths: having different talents and interests, learning with strategies and accommodations, all kinds of things!
Challenges: learning or remembering new information, advocating, solving problems, doing things independently
What does "accommodation" mean? Give an example of an accommodation.
Accommodation means any change that helps a disabled person to learn or do something.
Examples: communication devices, different chair options, having more time to do work, using fidgets
What does "stimming" mean?
Doing a repeated movement that might make you feel calm, happy, or focused.
Rocking your body, spinning objects, shaking your hands
Name at least 2 accommodations that might help someone with ADHD.
Different seating options, working in a quiet space with fewer distractions, taking breaks, including their interests when learning new things, using hands-on learning
Intellectual disabilities affect intellectual and adaptive functioning. What does "intellectual functioning" mean?
How we think about things (like problem-solving, learning, planning, and making decisions)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990. What does this ADA law mean?
ADA makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in public places, like school, jobs, and transportation. This means disabled people should have the same rights as everyone.
What does "scripting" mean?
Repeating words, phrases, or sounds that you hear somewhere else (like parts of movies/shows, or something someone said).
Scripting is a way to communicate, to regulate, or to have fun!
What does ADHD stand for?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Intellectual disabilities affect intellectual and adaptive functioning. What does "adaptive functioning" mean?
Things that help you to be independent (like communication, hygiene, cooking, navigating the community)