How to be a good disability ally
An ally is often defined as someone who is not a member of a marginalised group but wants to support and take action to help people in that group. Allyship in the workplace is crucial for inclusion, equity and equality.
The most widely used definition comes from Nicole Asong Nfonoyim-Hara, the Director of the Diversity Programs at Mayo Clinic.
She says: "Allyship is when a person of privilege works in solidarity and partnership with a marginalised group of people to help take down the systems that challenge that group's basic rights, equal access, and ability to thrive in our society.
We've developed this memory aid to help you remember what is means to be a good disability ally.
We've drawn on the lists available from numerous disability charities and campaigners' groups, as well as the aspirations of our experts by experience in the RCPsych Disability Task and Finish Group.
- A - Advocate for disability rights
And think about those affected by intersectionality. - L - Language
Use inclusive language. Don’t use offensive outdated terms and ask how the person would like to be described. - L - Listen and Learn
Believe disabled people’s experience – they are the experts. Educate yourself about ableism, disability and its impact. Learn about intersectionality. - Y - Yield
The floor. Lift the voices of disabled people. Promote and sponsor their voices. Don’t speak for or over disabled people. - S - Speak up
Use your priviledge to promote change. Be an active bystander if you hear offensive language or discrimination - H - Hire
Hire, promote and appropriately pay disabled people. Disabled people are far less likely to be in work, have a significant pay gap and have higher living costs. - I - Include
Promote policies that foster inclusion, work WITH disabled people to create them. Use the Social Model of Disability that removes barriers to access. - P - Presume nothing
Not all disabilities are obvious. Ask if you are unsure about something.