Disablism and ableism are words that are used to describe disability discrimination and prejudice. A bit like sexism and racism are used to describe discrimination against men or women and different ethnic groups.
Both terms describe disability discrimination, but the emphasis is different. Disablism emphasises discrimination against disabled people. Ableism emphasises discrimination in favour of non-disabled people.
Discrimination can take many forms. Here are some examples:
- no ramp to help a wheelchair user get on to a train
- having steps instead of a ramp to access a shop
- making assumptions about what a disabled person can or cannot do
- not making reasonable adjustments at work
Learn more on Sense, a Scottish charity and specialised social care provider supporting people with communication support needs.
Learn more about The University of Edinburgh’s support and guidance for students who have experienced any forms of discrimination.
The Advice Place is run by the Student's Association and is a third party crime reporting site. If you are a victim of a crime, they can support you.
You can call 999 in an emergency to speak to Police or 101 for non-emergencies. If not an emergency, but you wish to report something, you can report online.
Learn more about The University of Edinburgh’s support and guidance for students who have experienced any forms of discrimination.
The Advice Place is run by the Student's Association and is a third party crime reporting site. If you are a victim of a crime, they can support you.
You can call 999 in an emergency to speak to Police or 101 for non-emergencies. If not an emergency, but you wish to report something, you can report online.