Ableism and Social Justice

Abstract

This chapter will review the issues affecting individuals with disabilities, with the goal of increasing awareness of their increasing presence as well as barriers they face in society. The chapter will address the reasons for the rise in numbers of individuals with disabling conditions, the impact of poverty and racial minority status on the experience of disability, unique challenges for individuals with hidden disabilities such as learning disabilities and mental illness, and recommendations for both reducing individual prejudice and for systemic change to better support the full participation of individuals with disabilities in society. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)