Essential Definitions
Ableism: Based on the belief that disability is a defect rather than a dimension of human diversity, the term is used to describe the discrimination against, and the exclusion of, individuals with mental health and physical disabilities. Ableism affects those with disabilities by inhibiting their access to and power within institutional structures that fulfill needs, like health care, housing, government, education, religious communities, the media, and the legal system.
Disability: Variations in how our minds and our bodies work are part of the vast range of human diversity, and contribute to individual uniqueness. Society determines which of these variations are considered “normal” or “typical” and defines the rest as “disabilities.” These definitions are fluid over time and across cultures.
