One Size Does Not Fit All: A Response to Institutionalizing Inequity

Abstract

In addition to providing a definition for ableism, Fierros addresses the main arguments in Gregg D. Beratan's article entitled, "Institutionalizing Inequity: Ableism, Racism, and IDEA, 2004". Specifically, Fierros presents competing ideas about the appropriateness of inclusion for students with special needs, discusses the notion of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) clause as ableist, provides data on the disproportionality of students with special needs, and examines the links between race and ableism. In terms of theory, he suggests that teacher preparation programs educate professionals about institutional ableism and racism. In terms of practice, he urges the use of differentiated instruction to support all students in inclusive settings.

Impact of ableist microaggressions on university students with self-identified disabilities

“…Gómez (2015) Ableist microaggressions. Ableism refers to negative attitudes and prejudice targeted towards an individual based on his or her disability status (Fierros, 2006). This prejudice is maintained through individual biases that favour able-bodied people and discriminatory structures or practices within institutions, including universities (Beratan, 2006;Kattari, 2015).…”

‘Clap for “some” carers’: Problematizing heroism and ableist tenets of heroic discourse through the experiences of parent-carers

“…Seminally discussed within the context of race (Sue et al, 2007;Sue, 2010), microaggressions are 'subtle verbal, behavioural, or environmental slights and insults that communicate a hostile or derogatory message based on an individual's social status' (Lett et al, 2020(Lett et al, : 1442. Consequently, ableist forms of microaggression refer to prejudices that subjugate and demean the disabled community (Fierros, 2006;Kattari, 2020). Lett et al (2020Lett et al ( : 1444 note that these prejudices are 'maintained through individual biases that favour able-bodied people and discriminatory structures and practices within institutions'.…”

Microaggressions and Psychosocial Adjustment among Greek University Students with Disabilities

“…If ableism is left unexamined and unchallenged, unlawful indirect discrimination is experienced by people with disabilities, which has subtle effects that may remain unnoticed until too late [26]. Ableism is one form of microaggression, which includes behaviors, such as covert insults, that target individuals based on their disability status [22,27,28].…”