Unlearning Ableism
Title: Unlearning Ableism
Date: Thursday, October 19th, 4:30 - 5:30 PM Eastern Time
Description: This session is designed to support participants' understanding of what ableism is, how it shows up in classroom settings, and how they can challenge ableism in their practices. We will explore such topics as TL Lewis' working definition of ableism and consider several models of disability. It is possible that participants may experience discomfort during or after the presentation as we learn how we have perpetuated ableism ourselves. Discomfort is a normal experience as part of growth and the (un)learning process.
Outline: Principles of disability justice
TL Lewis’ definition of ableism
Medical, social, and holistic models of disability
How ableism shows up in the classrooms
Examples of challenging ableism in tangible ways for change
Objectives: Participants will:
1. Participants will be able to identify what ableism is
2. Participants will explore and be able to name how ableism manifests in the classroomand school settings
3. Participants will determine how to challenge ableism in policies and practices
Presenter: McKinley McPheeters, M.Ed
McKinley McPheeters (they/them) has an M.Ed with an emphasis in Trauma and Resilience and a BA in Social Work degree. They have worked with children of all ages, specifically with those in early learning programs for the last 6 years.