You might be wondering what it is that an abled person can do to help fight ableism. As an abled person, you inherently have a privilege over a disabled person mostly because of what you don’t have to worry about. However, just because you don’t have to worry about how being disabled can affect your daily life, doesn’t mean that you can’t educate yourself on what disabled people do have to worry about.
If there is anyone in your life who has a disability, if they are willing to discuss this with you, ask them how they feel their life is different from someone who doesn’t have a disability and why. Ask them what things they have to pay attention to or do throughout the day because of their disability. Ask them if there is anything you can do to assist them.
When disabled people are speaking about their disabled experience, support them. Don’t behave like you might understand their own experience better than them, and most importantly, don’t invalidate their experiences.
When you witness ableism, if you feel it is safe to do so, speak up about it. Let people know that ableism isn’t okay. Pay attention when ableism appears in the media, even in the form of comedy. It’s one thing for a disabled person to make light of their own disability, but it can pretty offensive when an abled person is making someone’s disability the punchline.
Notice what parts of your everyday surroundings might not be accessible or accommodating to others. Avoid using the wheelchair bathroom stall or parking in a disabled parking space as much as possible. I know parking in a disabled parking space can be illegal, but lots of people use the wheelchair stall when every other stall is open, which is very rude to wheelchair users.
Read, watch, and support content produced by disabled creators. Stay informed on what disabled organizations are good in the eyes of disabled people, and which ones might not be so great. Support disabled activists who are fighting for disabled rights.
And always remember, no matter what someone’s disability, they are a human being deserving of all the respect that you would expect for yourself.