“Oh, can she understand?”

I went out to dinner with my family the other night, and a random middle-aged lady came up to our table. She commented on how beautiful I was and said other things like “God Bless You.” Before I could respond, she turned to my mom and asked if I understood her. We both nodded our heads saying “yeah.” The question doesn’t bother me like it used to. Sure, the lady could have been more respectable; however, she was actually a sweet person familiar with different disabilities. Her intentions were not to harm.

Some would say this is an example of ableism. Ableism is known as discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities caused by assumptions, stereotypes, or physical barriers in the environment. Even though some of the lady’s comments reeked of ableism, I truly believe she was just a normal, curious person. Her generation learned differently from how newer generations are learning. Not everybody is catching on to the inclusion movement just yet. I support ableism awareness. Not every building or house is accessible. Some disabled individuals cannot get married or get hired. Government support isn’t great. Ableism can be a great point in these debates.

Assuming or claiming a person or a business is practicing ableism is defeating the point though. It is more than frustrating to be stereotyped, but most people just need to be better educated. If you want to be understood, then be openly approachable. Let anyone ask silly questions. Most people in my life were once unfamiliar with my condition and others. Does that make them former ableists? Of course not! If making the world more inclusive and accessible is what you want, then I suggest disabling yourself from being an a—hole while referring to the “A” word. Ranting about ableists on social media is only preventing people from seeing the importance of inclusion. Take the time to share your story instead. You might become a good role model for younger disabled individuals and their generation might see the end of ableism.