Using Critical Pedagogies to Undo Ableism

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Practices and Disability Studies in Education

Abstract

Grounded in the key ideas of disability studies and social justice education, this paper offers a conceptual rationale and strategies for teaching about disability within K-12 curricula. Problematizing the silence around disability in schools and drawing critical attention to the general omission of the topic of disability oppression in social justice education, we explicate the need to infuse anti-ableism content in school curricula. We offer strategies for broad-based inquiries through which teachers and students can examine social and cultural foundations of disability oppression, learn to recognize and disrupt ableism, and position themselves as agents of social change.  We propose methods for engaging in critical inquiry as work toward dismantling ableism in schools and society. 

Authors

• Susan Baglieri, Montclair State University

• Priya Lalvani, Montclair State University