Ableism

People living with disability may face significant barriers in work, study, sport and joining in everyday activities. Community attitudes and experiences of discrimination can further impact on a person's wellbeing, with the resultant ableism leading to perceptions of the disabled as weak and needy, and experiences of rejection and oppression. Allied health professionals are constantly called on to recognise the multi-layered impact of ableism on those who seek their help, while simultaneously challenging their own perceptions and stereotypes. The chapter starts with definitions and statistics to contextualise the concept of disability within the contemporary Australian environment. The link between ableism and mental health is critically examined, and poignantly brought to life in the personal experiences of three individuals as they navigate living with invisible and visible disabilities. Experiential activities that encourage the learner to test and challenge societal stereotypes, their own perceptions and gain a greater understanding of environmental, social and institutional barriers faced by people living with disability conclude this chapter.