u/ForeverCuriousEagle — reddlx

Equity that does not meaningfully include disability is not equity. It becomes selective inclusion. It reflects systemtic abelism.

A few days ago, I shared an experience that I believe reflects systemic ableism at the University of Manitoba. https://www.reddit.com/r/umanitoba/comments/1sx8xxf/people_with_disabilities_are_not_third_class/

The response was telling. Aside from two individuals, most replies questioned whether ableism was occurring at all, rather than engaging with the substance of the concern.

This pattern matters. When marginalized groups speak about their experiences, the conversation is often expected to begin from a place of belief and understanding. In contrast, disability-related concerns are frequently met with skepticism or dismissal. That difference in response is itself part of the problem.

A lack of education about ableism does not negate its impact. It often explains why it continues. Just because you did not experience something does not mean it is not occuring. For example, just because you a person of color or are gay does not mean either racism or homophobia are not occuring. Be wary of engaging in egocentricism and small data sampling sizes.

This is an actual study done on it here:

https://umanitoba.ca/equity-transformation/dismantling-ableism-survey/perceptions-and-impacts-ableism-um

Another analysis was done here: https://mfl.ca/discrimination-against-manitobans-with-disabilities-swamps-human-rights-commission/

It is also important to recognize that ableism can be reproduced by anyone, including disabled individuals. Internalized ableism and participation in ableist norms are well documented and do not invalidate the existence of systemic barriers.

Lets consider this, if the average UofM student/facility/staff were to get the same response I did when I made my post - criticism, mixed with apathy, are we not surprised that people with disabilities do not express their concerns?

They have few allies and a mountain of critics.

What is concerning is not disagreement, but the tendency to minimize or question whether these experiences are real in the first place. When that happens consistently, it reinforces the very structures people are trying to name.

If we are serious about equity as a community, disability must be included not only in principle, but in practice, in how concerns are heard, validated, and addressed.

I refuse to be treated like a third class citizen by this instituation anylonger due to my disabilities.

I ramble. I repeat myself. I move awkwardly. I miss social cues. I take longer to learn and I ask more questions.

That’s disability.

I have Nonverbal Learning Disorder and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I’m in constant spine pain. I have servere shoulder pain. I need about a dozen operations.The way I sit, stand, and move is me trying to function through that.

So when I look uncomfortable or “off”, that’s not a choice.

I refuse to apologize if that makes anymore feel "uncomfortable" as some have accused me of. I also can't make eye connect either. I refuse to apologize for that either.

Also yes, I am 32m, no I did not chose to come here because I wanted at my age, but was delayed constantly due to EDS and NVLD. And guess what? Because of these diseases I have to withdraw from some of my courses because I need about a dozen surgeries to stabalize.

What is a choice is how people treat me.

This hasn’t just come from faculty or staff. It’s been students too.

Students have talked about me behind my back like I’m the problem. Some have actively slandered me online. That’s not harmless. That’s people turning disability traits into character attacks. This is slander. And when this happens when services are being delivered they become human rights breaches.

Call it what it is: ableism.

And the system backs it up.

At the University of Manitoba, if you’re not fast, socially fluent, and able to perform competence the “right” way, you fall behind. Even with accommodations, the expectation is still that I adapt to a system that was never built for me. And even then accommodations seem to up for debate - where is the human rights code when undue hardship & reasonable accommodation is forgotten?

So I end up apologizing. Constantly.

For asking questions. For needing time. For not getting it right away. For missing cues. For looking like I’m in pain.

I’m tired of apologizing for existing.

I’m also tired of having to push everything to the point of human rights complaints just to be taken seriously. That shouldn’t be what it takes to get basic access.

This has a cost.

Psychologically, it wears you down. Being talked about, misunderstood, and constantly judged for things you can’t control.

Physically, it makes everything worse. More stress, more pain, less function.

And I’m still expected to keep up like nothing’s wrong.

If your idea of a “good student” excludes people like me, that’s not neutral.

That’s systemic ableism.

And it’s happening here.

So here’s what I’m doing about it.

I’m starting a social media advocacy project focused on disability rights, real experiences of ableism, and pushing for structural change, not just surface-level “awareness.” I want to document what this actually looks like in universities and beyond, and create a space where disabled people don’t have to filter themselves to be taken seriously.

I am also intending on filing a human rights complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and Manitoba's Disability Secretariat. I am more than willing to help any of you file some too. I am also creating an advocacy service for those like myself who the system does not servce.

I am tired.

I did not sign up for this.

I just wanted to get my degree, make some friends and network. Is that to unreasonable to ask?

A lifetime of endless bigtroy full of discussions of equity that almost never include those with disabilities.

I know the world does not value us but you are vaulable.

And you don't deserve to be treated like a third-class citizen anylonger.

If you’ve experienced this, I want to hear from you.

If you’re an ally, I want you paying attention and I want you to support us.

And if you actually want to help push for change instead of just talking about it, connect with me.

Because clearly, the system isn’t going to fix itself.

This is to all undergraduate and graduate students, even facility and staff who feel forgotten and left behind by a system that does not value you.