Able-Bodied Privilege

[AtLast]

There is certainly able-bodied privilege present here (and all over) and I especially see it poke it's ugly head often in threads about sex & sexuality. We seem to have no problem recognizing our racial or class privilege, and face our denial quite often, but I don't see this much when it comes to able-bodied privilege. Don't see much consideration about it much at all. Of course, someone could be a POC, poor, female, etc. and disabled... Disability can range in severity and impairment as well as age of onset. Going from able-bodied status to one of disability is quite different than for people that have always lived with a disability.

Please post your thoughts....

Able-bodied privilege checklist:

This list is based on Peggy McIntosh’s article on white privilege. These dynamics are but a few examples of the privilege which able-bodied people have.

On a daily basis as an able-bodied person…

1. I can easily arrange to be in the company of people of my physical ability.
2. If I need to move, I can easily be assured of purchasing housing I can get access to easily - accessibility is one thing I do not need to make a special point of looking for.
3. I can be assured that my entire neighborhood will be accessible to me.
4. I can assume that I can go shopping alone, and they will always have appropriate accommodations to make this experience hassle-free.
5. I can turn on the television or open a newspaper and see people of my physical ability represented.
6. When I learned about history, people of my physical ability were well represented.
7. I was given curricular material which showed people like me as a role model.
8. I can be assured that assumptions about my mental capabilities will not be made based on my physical status.
9. I can swear, dress sloppily, or even be in a bad mood without people attributing it to my physical disability.
10. I can do well in challenging situations very often without being told what an inspiration I must be to other able-bodied people.
11. I have been asked to speak for all physically challenged people.
12. Almost always, when asking to speak to the person in charge, will find someone of the same physical status.
13. I can buy posters, postcards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls, toys, children’s magazines featuring people of the same physical status.
14. I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having someone suspect I got my job because of my disability.
15. If I am fired, not given a raise, or not hired, I do not have to question whether it had anything to do with my appearing physically incompetent..

Addition:

I can be assured that assumptions about my sexuality and sexual needs and desires as well will not be made based on my physical status.