Welcome To Unlearning Ableism
17% of the world’s population identify as Disabled, making us the largest minority group in the world.
Despite this, ableism is one of the most under-addressed, under-discussed, and underrepresented conversations in society. Society is failing to unlearn our inherent ableism.
Unlearning Ableism makes the uncomfortable comfortable. We want to end this cycle of oppression and create an inclusive society that is accessible, empowers, represents and provides opportunity and participation for everyone.
“Making The Uncomfortable Comfortable”
Ableism is…
Ableism is ingrained in our language, behaviours, beliefs, and even in the way we design. It is evident in our workplaces, schooling systems, government, and all areas of society. It manifests as less favourable treatment, discrimination, prejudice and stereotyping.
It is a problem that won’t simply go away on its own. Millions of Disabled people are impacted by ableism every single day. Sadly, a large majority of these people will also be struggling with internalised ableism as a direct result. Only we do not learn about ableism and most people aren’t aware that they themselves are contributing to it. That’s why we founded Unlearning Ableism!
It’s Here! Our First Policy Paper!
We are leading the way in Disability education for both Disabled and non-Disabled people. We offer a broad suite of bespoke services, focused on ensuring the greatest potential for your organisation and its people.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple, develop practical solutions that deliver real-world results, to change the lives of Disabled people for the better. Our work is centred on the value, strengths and talent of Disabled people, in line with the Social Model of Disability.
With a combined 60+ years of lived experience of being Disabled by society, and at the mercy of ableism, Celia Charters-Aris and Jamie Shields co-founded Unlearning Ableism to serve as a catalyst for much-needed change.
Meet The Team
Celia and Jamie co-founded Unlearning Ableism out of necessity. Having both grown up impacted by ableism and having both been severely affected by internalised ableism. They know all too well the damage ableism has on Disabled People. We know how it feels. We know the trauma it enforces and we know this cycle of oppression cannot continue. The ableism knowledge gap needs to be filled. That is why we founded Unlearning Ableism.
Celia Chartres-Aris
Celia Chartres-Aris is a Disabled Founder and Investor, a multi-award winning campaigner and lobbyist, researcher and policy designer, advocating for the improvement of disability equity and accessibility inclusivity.
Jamie Shields
Jamie is a multi-award-winning advocate and former Disability Accessibility Lead. Having spent the last five years supporting corporate clients to create inclusive accessible recruitment and cultures.
Our Services
We Are Leading the Way…
We are leading the way in Disability education for both Disabled and non-Disabled people. We offer a broad suite of bespoke services, focused on ensuring the greatest potential for your organisation and its people.
We take time to get to know you, and understand you whilst recognising potential opportunities and challenges of your markets, targets and people. In turn, we provide tailor-made solutions that create tangible sustainable change. We work with you to accelerate your Disability Inclusion building loyalty, engagement, trust, and widening audiences.
Catch Up The Unlearning Ableism Podcast
The Unlearning Ableism Podcast is hosted by Celia and Jamie. Together alongside guests they explore ableism, internalised ableism and much more. This podcast series is sponsored by Evenbreak.
