Ableism.
This is a word that seem to be appearing more in our society and yet does not get enough attention. If anything, it is overlooked and minimized. If you are someone who has a challenge or disability. You've probably run into this word more than a few times.
What is ableism? It is pretty much discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities or who are perceived to be disabled. Often times this is by people who are well meaning but have a complete misunderstanding of the challenges and struggles that we (those with disabilities) face.
How and what form this takes varies from person to person. It can be simple as asking someone "what is wrong with them" as it relates to a specific challenge. Telling someone that they "don't look like they have a disability" even if it is meant as a compliment. Or in some other extremes. Assuming someone's challenge is the result of some kind of laziness or lack of exercise.
Many of us in the community face this kind of stuff on a daily basis. Sometimes it is very minor. Other times it is more extreme. In those cases, it can test our own ability to remain calm and collected even though the world comes across as being against us.
At the core of the issue with ableism is that it removes the dignity of those with disabilities. The world does not always have a mindset of being more open to those who are not "normal". It is more than contending with basic accommodations though. More along the lines of having a better attitude when it comes to being accepting. We should take great effort to make sure that we are not passing extreme judgement on those who face challenges. Nor do anything that would minimize and devalue the issues that we have to take on daily.
Author's note: I use the words "challenge" and "disability" almost interchangeably. Not everyone sees their challenge as a disability. Nor does everyone see their disability as a challenge.
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