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Kari Harbath

About 15% of the world's population lives with a disability. A truly diverse, inclusive workforce must be inclusive of people with disabilities. This course will help you understand ableism and its impact on the success of your team and organization.

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About 15% of the world's population lives with a disability. A truly diverse, inclusive workforce must be inclusive of people with disabilities. This course will help you understand ableism and its impact on the success of your team and organization.

According to WHO, about 15% of the world's population lives with a disability, meaning to create a truly diverse and inclusive workforce you must be inclusive of people with disabilities. In this course, Understanding Ableism in the Workplace, you’ll learn to better understand how ableist behaviors and language can have negative outcomes on your business and team culture. First, you’ll explore the definition of ableism. Next, you’ll learn about ableist behaviors in the workplace. Finally, you’ll discover how to become a better ally to disabled colleagues. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll better understand ableism and have the knowledge to create a more supportive, diverse, and inclusive workplace.

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Ableism Diversity and Inclusion Disability Workplace Culture

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
What Is Ableism?
Addressing Ableist Behaviors in the Workplace
Becoming a Workplace Ally
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops a strong understanding of ableism, an important topic for inclusive workplaces
Taught by experienced instructors, Kari Harbath, who are recognized for their expertise in the DEI field
Explores ableist language and behaviors in the workplace, which is standard in DEI training
Offer hands-on guidance on how to become a better ally to disabled colleagues, which is valuable for inclusive workplaces
Requires the learner to come in with some foundational knowledge of DEI, which may be a barrier to some
Does not provide a comprehensive overview of DEI topics beyond ableism, which may be a limitation for learners seeking a broader understanding

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Reviews summary

Foundational understanding of workplace ableism

According to learners, 'Understanding Ableism in the Workplace' is an incredibly informative and well-structured course that offers a foundational understanding of ableism. Students consistently highlight the practical strategies and actionable steps provided, which are highly effective for fostering inclusive workplace environments. The content is praised for being clear, concise, and impactful, with relatable examples. While largely seen as essential training for professionals and leaders, some learners with prior DEI experience noted it serves primarily as a solid introduction and desired deeper dives into systemic ableism or specific industry case studies.
Easy-to-understand explanations and effective examples.
"The examples given are clear and relatable, making it easy to grasp complex concepts. I particularly appreciate how it emphasizes actionable steps..."
"An eye-opening experience! This course breaks down ableism into digestible parts and provides clear, actionable advice."
"Clear, concise, and incredibly impactful. This course is a game-changer for fostering true inclusivity. The examples resonate and the strategies are easy to adopt."
"I found the content very well-structured with examples that helped me easily understand complex topics."
Excellent starting point for understanding ableism in the workplace.
"It provides a foundational understanding of ableism and practical strategies..."
"As someone who has been involved in DEI for years, I found this course to be a fantastic refresher and a great tool for broadening my perspective... Highly recommended for both beginners and those with some prior knowledge."
"The course does an excellent job of defining ableism and highlighting its prevalence in the workplace... overall, it's a solid introduction."
"Good course for foundational knowledge. It explains the concepts well and gives good examples."
Provides clear, actionable strategies for workplace inclusivity.
"This course... provides a foundational understanding of ableism and practical strategies to foster an inclusive workplace. A must-take for anyone serious about DEI."
"The content is concise yet comprehensive, and the practical tips for addressing ableist behaviors are invaluable."
"This course breaks down ableism into digestible parts and provides clear, actionable advice. I feel much more confident now in identifying and challenging ableist behaviors."
"This course provided me with a robust framework for understanding and dismantling ableism. The practical applications were outstanding. Highly recommend!"
Primarily a general overview; some wish for more advanced topics.
"My only suggestion for improvement would be to include more real-world case studies or deeper dives into specific industries, but overall, it's a solid introduction."
"I would have liked to see more emphasis on systemic ableism and how to implement broader organizational change, rather than just individual actions."
"The course content is relevant, but I found it somewhat basic for my needs. It felt like a good general overview, but for someone already familiar with DEI principles, it didn't offer a lot of new, in-depth information."
"While the general overview was helpful, I was hoping for more specialized content or advanced policy discussions."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Ableism in the Workplace with these activities:
Review the concept of ableism
Refreshing your knowledge of ableism will provide you with a strong foundation and help you better understand the course materials.
Browse courses on Ableism
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus and skim the course overview.
  • Review your notes or materials from previous courses or workshops on diversity and inclusion.
Read "Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century" by Alice Wong
Reading this book can provide you with a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of people with disabilities and their perspectives on ableism.
View Year of the Tiger on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book from a library.
  • Read the book and take notes on key points and insights.
  • Reflect on the book's content and how it relates to ableism in the workplace.
Attend a workshop on ableism in the workplace
Attending a workshop can supplement the course material with real-life examples and practical strategies for addressing ableism in the workplace.
Show steps
  • Search for workshops on ableism in the workplace.
  • Register for a workshop that fits your schedule.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice identifying ableist behaviors in the workplace
Practicing identifying ableist behaviors will help you become more aware of and sensitive to them, enabling you to create a more inclusive workplace.
Show steps
  • Find a list of common ableist behaviors.
  • Review real-life scenarios and practice identifying ableist behaviors.
  • Discuss your findings with a colleague or mentor.
Join a peer support group or discussion forum focused on ableism
Joining a peer group or discussion forum can provide you with a supportive community and enable you to connect with others who have similar experiences and perspectives.
Show steps
  • Search for peer support groups or discussion forums related to ableism.
  • Join a group that aligns with your interests and needs.
  • Participate in discussions and share your thoughts and experiences.
Write a blog post or article about ableism in the workplace
Writing a blog post or article can help you synthesize your understanding of ableism and its impact in the workplace and share your insights with a broader audience.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information about ableism in the workplace.
  • Outline your blog post or article, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Write your blog post or article, using clear and concise language.
  • Edit and proofread your work carefully.
  • Publish your blog post or article on a relevant platform.
Volunteer with an organization that supports people with disabilities
Volunteering with an organization that supports people with disabilities can provide you with firsthand experience and help you develop empathy and understanding.
Show steps
  • Research and find organizations that support people with disabilities in your area.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer training and orientation.
  • Volunteer your time and support to people with disabilities.
Develop a training program on ableism for your workplace
Creating a training program on ableism for your workplace can help raise awareness, promote understanding, and foster a more inclusive work environment.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information about ableism, its impact in the workplace, and best practices for creating an inclusive environment.
  • Develop a training outline, including key topics, learning objectives, and activities.
  • Create training materials, such as presentations, handouts, and exercises.
  • Pilot the training program with a small group of employees to gather feedback and make improvements.
  • Implement the training program for your workplace.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Ableism in the Workplace will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Disability Advocate
Disability Advocates provide support and advocacy for people with disabilities. This course may help Disability Advocates understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and develop strategies to address them.
Disability Policy Analyst
Disability Policy Analysts develop and implement policies that affect people with disabilities. This course may help Disability Policy Analysts understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and develop strategies to create a more inclusive society.
Disability Rights Attorney
Disability Rights Attorneys represent people with disabilities in legal matters. This course may help Disability Rights Attorneys understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and develop strategies to advocate for their rights.
Assistive Technology Specialist
Assistive Technology Specialists help people with disabilities use technology to improve their lives. This course may help Assistive Technology Specialists understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and develop strategies to help them succeed.
Diversity Consultant
Diversity Consultants help organizations create and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives. This course may help Diversity Consultants understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and develop strategies to create a more inclusive work environment.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people with communication disorders develop the skills they need to communicate effectively. This course may help Speech-Language Pathologists understand the challenges faced by people with communication disorders in the workplace and develop strategies to help them succeed.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. This course may provide Diversity and Inclusion Managers with a deeper understanding of ableism and its impact on the workplace. Furthermore, it can help them develop strategies to address and eliminate ableist behaviors and create a more inclusive work environment for people with disabilities.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities develop the skills they need to perform everyday activities. This course may help Occupational Therapists understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and develop strategies to help them succeed.
Audiologist
Audiologists help people with hearing loss develop the skills they need to communicate effectively. This course may help Audiologists understand the challenges faced by people with hearing loss in the workplace and develop strategies to help them succeed.
Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit Executive Directors lead nonprofit organizations that provide services to people with disabilities. This course may help Nonprofit Executive Directors understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities and develop strategies to create a more inclusive society.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities develop the skills they need to live independently. This course may help Rehabilitation Counselors understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and develop strategies to help them overcome them.
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teachers work with students with disabilities to help them reach their full potential. This course may help Special Education Teachers understand the challenges faced by students with disabilities and develop strategies to help them succeed in school.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and guidance to individuals, families, and communities. This course may help Social Workers better understand the needs of people with disabilities and develop strategies to help them achieve their goals.
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Managers are responsible for handling employee complaints and grievances. This course may help Employee Relations Managers better understand the needs of employees with disabilities and create a more supportive work environment.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for attracting, hiring, and retaining employees. This course may help broaden the skillset of Human Resources Managers by teaching them about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Furthermore, this course may help HR professionals understand the negative impacts of ableism in their work environment and enable them to foster a more equitable and inclusive culture for all.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding Ableism in the Workplace.
A collection of personal essays by disabled people, providing insights into their experiences and perspectives. It helps to humanize the experiences of people with disabilities and challenge ableist stereotypes.
A comprehensive textbook that provides an overview of the field of disability studies. It covers key concepts, theories, and historical perspectives on disability.
A peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes research and scholarship on disability studies. It provides up-to-date information on the latest developments in the field.
A comprehensive reference work that provides an overview of the key concepts, theories, and debates in disability studies. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field.
A theoretical exploration of the relationship between disability and social theory. It provides a critical perspective on the social construction of disability and its implications for social and political life.
A collection of essays that explore the representation of disability in literature, film, and other cultural forms. It examines how these representations shape our understandings of disability and its place in society.

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