Our 7x7x7 Guide To Able-Bodied Privilege... What is Able-Bodied Privilege – Most Commonly Known as Ableism?

??When was the last time that your body got in the way of doing something that you wanted to do??

If you answered ‘Never’ or ‘Not recently’

… well, you have Able-bodied privilege!?

??Keep reading to find out more about our 7x7x7 guide which includes:

·??????7 Ways to check for your Able-Bodied privilege

·??????7 Ways in which people without Able-Bodied Privilege are discriminated against

·??????7 Things you and your organisation can do to steward Able-Bodied Privilege

??Able-bodied privilege can be defined as a series of advantages that a person gains simply because they are not limited by physical or mental impairments.??

Able-bodied privilege originates from the misconception that non-disabled people may have because they haven’t experienced anything different.?

In other words, if you are able bodied, you may presume that everyone else has the same ability to do the same things that you do – that you may be taking for granted.

It can often be difficult to grasp the idea that you may have able-bodied privilege if you have no experience of it yourself. Similarly, you may not recognise having privilege because of the challenges you have faced in some other area of under-privilege that are more obvious for you than another’s lack of able-bodied privilege.?

?? Here are 7 Ways to check for your Able-Bodied privilege:

1.?????You are not pitied because of your disability

2.?????You have all abilities such as walk, see, talk, and feel

3.?????You are not perceived as unattractive or undesirable because of your disability?

4.?????You are able to apply for jobs easily??AND you are able to keep your job

5.?????People don’t constantly assume that you need help or saving

6.?????You are not the punchline of ableist jokes?

7.?????You are able to access buildings, pavements, parks, toilets, and other public venues without having to be mindful of access barriers

Discrimination has a significantly negative impact on the daily lives of people with disability -??even at work: a place where everyone should feel safe and happy.?

?? According to the Equality Act of 2010, there are six main types of discrimination:?

·??????Direct discrimination?– When somebody with a disability is treated badly compared to a non-disabled person in a similar situation

·??????Indirect discrimination?– When an organisation has a particular policy or way of working that only benefits non-disabled employees and has a worse impact on employees with disabilities?

·??????Failure to make reasonable adjustments?– When employers/organisations do not provide easy access for employees with disabilities. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers/organisations must implement adjustments to make it easy for people with disabilities to access jobs and services

·??????Discrimination arising from disability?– When a person with disability is treated badly because of something connected to their disability, for example assistance dogs or time off work

·??????Harassment?– When a person with disability is treated badly and is made to feel humiliated, offended, or degraded?

·??????Victimisation?– When a person with disabilities is treated badly following a complaint that they have made of discrimination

?? How can you recognise ableist discrimination at work??

It is important to recognise what discrimination against people with disabilities can look like and it is also important to recognise what life is like without able-bodied privilege at work:?

1.?????A lack of confidence from employers and co-workers – Employers and co-workers often view people with disabilities as incapable?

2.?????Never being the one to help – Many people with disabilities, as a result of being labelled incapable, are ignored when someone needs help at work

3.?????The experience of being pitied or stared at, which impacts confidence and reduces capacity to contribute their maximum value.

4.?????Emotional distress - trying to hide disability – Many people with disabilities hide their disability in order to fit in, which causes high pressures and emotional distress?

5.?????Employability gap – People with disabilities have a harder time applying to jobs due to requirements and employer biases

6.?????The employment rate amongst people with disabilities is significantly lower.?

7.?????Disability pay gap – Many organisations around the world have a pay gap amongst people who have disabilities and those who do not. The pay gap can even be as a big as 42%.

?? How can you enable employees who have disabilities to contribute of their best, and improve their time at work??

1.?????Recognise and change your own prejudices and biases using our guide above

2.?????Make all stages of recruitment easily accessible for applicants with disabilities and modify requirements on applications?

3.?????Provide training for all employees across the corporate ladder on removing ableism bias and how to support employees with disabilities.??Make training regular so that all employees are up to date and changes can be made within the workplace in a consistent manner rather than as a ticking box exercise

4.?????Modify working arrangements where needed, such as having ramps or lifts instead of/ as well as stairs. Another modification is to provide transport for those who need it as public transport is not always efficient and can cause unnecessary stress and pressure.?

5.?????Allow flexibility such as changes of shifts to accommodate disability or allowing those with disabilities to work from home?

6.?????Take all reports of discrimination seriously.??Provide sanctions to those who discriminate against employees with disabilities?

7.?????Remove the ableism pay gap

??Do you want to make a positive change??

If yes, then keep reading…

There is very little data on the use and impact of privilege at work.?

So, we created a survey that aims to capture accurate and representative insights into the use of privilege.?

Whether you find the use of privilege unacceptable, harmless, or even the right of some people, we want to hear from you!

Your responses will prepare the way for greater consciousness and cultural awareness of privilege and the creation of fairer, safer and more inclusive workplaces.

So, click the link to take part and become the change:?