Ableism Quote by Edwina Gateley
““Will you be to us, so self-assured of healthy body, a person to be spurned and rejected, doubly disabled by our prejudice and fears? For we rarely open our hearts to people like you, sister. Nor have we crafted our world to accommodate your bent form. So you must creep around our perimeters, seeking access, a way into our spaces. You must double-check entrances, exits, stairs and heights to see if they welcome you or leave you standing helpless, like an infant before a rising cliff. Will we slip past you, embarrassed? Or will we see in you a graced opportunity to stretch our own crippled spirits, recognizing your inherent dignity, and respecting the courage of your endless silent struggle to be part of a world not fashioned for your infirmity?””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Advocacy for Disability Inclusion, 2023
The speaker urges society to recognize and accommodate people with disabilities, moving from exclusion to dignity and shared growth.
In simple terms: Include and respect disabled people.
Key Takeaway
Create accessible spaces and attitudes.
Themes
inclusion
disability rights
empathy
social justice
Mood
hopeful
determined
compassionate
Type
advocacy
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public spaces
- workplace
- education
- healthcare
- community events
Key Concepts
human dignity
accessibility
intersectionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions redesign to be truly inclusive?
- What biases prevent us from seeing disabled people as assets?
A Different Perspective
Change requires systemic redesign, not just individual kindness.
