Systemic Ableism: Critical Perspectives on Disability Equity and Access

Ableism is an emerging area of interest and concern spanning numerous populations. Systemic Ableism: Critical Perspectives on Disability, Equity, and Access offers a rare, comprehensive view of ableism from multiple perspectives. The concept of ableism is defined and applied in a variety of contexts. These include developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, physical disabilities, invisible disabilities (like TBI), HIV, serious mental illness, pathological demand avoidance (PDA), multiple sclerosis, aging, and systemic ableism in access to healthcare, higher education, employment and information technology. The book’s chapters describe overlaps between these contexts, and their intersections with race, gender, aging, and gender identity. The book’s diverse panel of authors includes academic content experts, early career and seasoned clinical healthcare professionals from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom have directly experienced ableism in the areas described above. Future directions for research, conceptualization, assessment, and treatment are explored. This book is a powerful resource for informing and raising awareness in the community, with special systemic application to higher education programs and healthcare settings.