Service-Learning and the Culture of Ableism

 In this chapter, the author paints service-learning as a privileged act specific to ability. Much service-learning that involves people identified as disabled involves them as recipients of service rather than as participants or partners in service. Unfortunately, few students or faculty have acknowledged the problem with the ableist mindset in service-learning. This chapter examines the concept of ableism and the social-political construct of disability. It explores the four most common stereotypes of people with impairments and how these ableist stereotypes influence the types of service-learning projects students and faculty choose. It also offers recommendations so as to reduce or eliminate ableism in service-learning.