25% of Americans are disabled, but everyone has experienced ableism at some point in their lives. This video, produced by the Disability and Media Alliance Project in 2021, breaks down what abelism means.
Transcript
NARRATOR: Ableism is like a courtroom where society and government are the judge of ability deciding whose needs are acceptable and whose aren’t.
RIGHT GRAY: Next!
LEFT GRAY: Hi, I have a hard time seeing far away.
RIGHT GRAY: Worthy! Here, have some glasses.
RIGHT GRAY: Next!
BLUE: I need assistance moving around in the world.
RIGHT GRAY: Unworthy! Here, have some stairs.
NARRATOR: Value is based on arbitrary beliefs in what is “normal,” and who can produce the most.
RIGHT GRAY: Next!!!
LEFTGRAY: I made 40 widgets
RIGHT GRAY: Worthy!
PURPLE: I need some more time to finish these widgets.
RIGHT GRAY: Unworthy! You must make 40 widgets in the time allotted!!
NARRATOR: Value is also determined by achievement, desirability, and a willingness to behave.
RIGHT GRAY: Next!!!
LEFT GRAY: I followed all the rules you made up!
RIGHT GRAY: Worthy!!!
PINK: I have some differing opinions about the rules you made up.
RIGHT GRAY: Unworthy!!! The rules are truth!!!
NARRATOR: Much like a fart, Ableism spreads into every corner of society. And the real kicker is you don’t have to be disabled to experience ableism.
LEFT & RIGHT GRAY: Hahaha. Wait, what?
BLUE: Here… have some stairs.
Credits
Jordan Carlos – Left Gray
Lynne Marie Rosenberg – Right Gray
Selene Luna – Blue
Ryan J. Haddad – Pink
Cara Reedy – Purple
Mat Fraser – Narrator
Lynne Marie Rosenberg – Artwork & Animation
Cara Reedy – Script & Concept
Lynne Marie Rosenberg – Script & Concept
Cara Reedy – Producer
Jim LeBrecht – Audio Engineering
Rod Milam – Video Editor & Visual Description
Avi Amon – Score
Special thanks to Lawrence Carter-Long, Susan Henderson, and Judy Heumann