Identity, mental health, and ableism in Australian schools: findings from a multi-stakeholder survey

Ableism is a serious problem in schools across Australia and internationally. Our mixed method survey investigated who is impacted by school student experiences of ableism and how they are affected. It captured insights from students, parents, teachers, and support staff (N = 298). Data revealed participant experiences of overt, and insidious ableism were associated with poor mental health of disabled students and parents identifying as the ‘problem parent’. Participants reported concerning experiences of ableism in childhood and adolescence, a developmentally relevant period of identity building. Noted too were the adverse consequences of student experiences of ableism upon the well-being of others, including teachers and school support staff. Findings were examined in the context of extant literature highlighting the protective role generated by forming a disability identity. Study results include participant recommendations for addressing ableism and a compelling rationale for schools to actively diminish ableism and nurture disability social identity.