ABSTRACT
Ableism is the systematic oppression of and prejudice toward individuals with disabilities due to the idealization of nondisabled bodies and minds. Despite legislation aimed at broadening the rights of individuals with disabilities, ableism persists, including in classrooms of postsecondary institutions and within the field social work. However, changes can be made with adoption of the social model of disability, and in applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL offers a more holistic framework for curriculum and instruction, benefiting institutions of higher education in the education and retention of individuals with disabilities, and more importantly, individuals with disabilities themselves. This analysis examines UDL as a potential solution for reducing ableism in institutions of higher education and the field of social work.
Authors’ contributions
All authors contributed to the article conception and design. All authors read and approved the final article.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Kari L. Sherwood
Kari L. Sherwood is a PhD student at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Shanna K. Kattari is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.