Lived Experiences of Ableism in Academia: Strategies for Inclusion in Higher Education

The demands for excellence and efficiency in academia have created an ableist culture that impacts disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent colleagues. This collection explores ableism through personal and professional experiences and scholarship, offering insights for universities to develop inclusive practices and a less ableist environment.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 25 May 2021
\n Publisher: Bristol University Press
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The pursuit of excellence and efficiency has inadvertently fostered an ableist culture within academia, impacting disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent colleagues in significant ways. This comprehensive and thought-provoking collection delves into the pervasive nature of ableism in academic settings, offering insights from academics through personal and professional experiences, as well as scholarly research. By employing theoretical frameworks such as autobiography, autoethnography, embodiment, body work, and emotional labor, contributors from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States present insightful, critical, analytical, and rigorous examinations of their experiences as "othered" individuals in academia.

The book is deeply rooted in personal narratives, providing concrete examples for universities to implement inclusive practices, create accessible working and learning environments, and cultivate a less ableist atmosphere. Through their narratives, contributors shed light on the challenges faced by disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent colleagues, including discrimination, marginalization, and systemic barriers to participation and success. They also offer valuable insights into the experiences of these colleagues in academia, highlighting the strengths, resilience, and contributions they bring to the field.

Furthermore, the book serves as a call to action for universities to recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion and to take proactive steps to address ableism in their institutions. It emphasizes the need for institutional change, policy reforms, and cultural shifts to create a more equitable and inclusive academic environment for all students and scholars, regardless of their abilities or identities.

In conclusion, this collection is a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, and educators interested in understanding and addressing ableism in academia. It provides a wealth of insights and practical strategies for creating a more inclusive and supportive learning and working environment for disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent colleagues. By recognizing and challenging ableism, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive academic community that values and celebrates the diverse talents and contributions of all individuals.

\n Weight: 438g\n
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781447354116\n \n