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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Learn more about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the resources available to support EDI.

What is Disability Discrimination and Ableism?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) discrimination against people with disabilities is prohibited. The ADA guarantees equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Therefore, "disability discrimination" is the unlawful treatment of persons based on physical or neurological disability. This includes both perceived and unperceived disabilities. (Adapted from The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy.)

"Ableism" is the practices and dominant attitudes in society that devalue and limit the potential of persons with disabilities. A set of practices and beliefs that assign inferior value (worth) to people who have developmental, emotional, physical or psychiatric disabilities. (StopAbleism.org)

"Disablism" is a  set of assumptions (conscious or unconscious) and practices that promote the differential or unequal treatment of people because of actual or presumed disabilities. (StopAbleism.org)

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