Ableism
Ableism
Ableism refers to prejudice, discrimination and oppression against people with disabilities because of their physical, mental or sensory differences or impairments. It can manifest itself in various forms, such as denial of access to education, work, transport or health care. Ableism is often based on the assumption that people with disabilities are inferior or less capable than people without disabilities, which can lead to social exclusion, disadvantage and inequality.
Ableism, the discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities, is unfortunately still a widespread problem in educational institutions as well. According to a 2018 survey by the German Disability Council, 61% of learners with disabilities have experienced discrimination in their school. Another study by the Bertelsmann Foundation from 2019 shows that there are still too few barrier-free schools in Germany that facilitate access to education for learners with disabilities. Only 9.6% of schools are fully accessible, while over half of schools (55%) are not accessible.
This discrimination and lack of accessibility can negatively impact the educational outcomes of learners with disabilities in a number of ways. A 2020 study by the German Institute for Human Rights shows that learners with disabilities in Germany are more likely to be educated in separate special schools than their peers without disabilities, rather than in regular schools. In the 2018/2019 school year, about 35% of learners with special educational needs attended a Förderschule. The study also shows that learners with special educational needs are less likely to graduate from high school and less likely to enter education than learners without special educational needs.
Creating barrier-free schools and combating discrimination in educational institutions are important steps towards inclusive education. Inclusive education enables all learners to fully realise their abilities and potential and to succeed. To achieve this, schools and teachers need to be sensitised and trained to recognise and combat discrimination and prejudice. Furthermore, the needs of learners with disabilities must be taken into account and adequate support and resources must be provided to facilitate their access to education.
Overall, research shows that rejectionism in educational institutions remains a pressing problem. It is important that schools and teachers become aware of their responsibility to provide inclusive education for all learners. An accessible school environment and inclusive teaching can not only improve the educational outcomes of learners with disabilities, but also contribute to creating a society that is based on diversity and inclusion.
Our project on Ableism in Schools is an initiative to promote inclusive education for all learners. The aim is to raise awareness and train learners without disabilities to combat discrimination and prejudice against learners with disabilities.
Through our project, we aim to support schools in creating an inclusive learning atmosphere that meets the needs of all learners. Our project days aim to promote a better understanding of inclusion and diversity. Together with you as a school and educational institutions, we would like to contribute to creating a society that focuses on equal opportunities and inclusion.
Contact
If you would like to know more about our offer, please contact us. We will help you to effectively counteract Ableism at your school.
