05/12/2026
Working in a virtual setting with older students really helped me reframe some of my previous misconceptions. When my virtual students are surrounded by safe people and given the option to type instead of speak, many of them are just fine with differences in their speech. Expecting someone to change something about themself for the approval of people who can’t be bothered with basic kindness is an example of focusing on the wrong thing.
Alt text: The burden of fixing ableism should never be on the victim of it.
Sometimes, in discussions regarding whether or not a child should be considered for speech services, the question is asked:
‘What about social aspects? Are they being made fun of for it?’
Typically, if the answer is yes, it makes perfect sense to most people that speech therapy is a logical solution.
Other potential impacts and factors aside, I would argue that this resolution is ableist. It is rooted in the good intentions of saving the child from being made fun of, yes- but it’s still ableist. Lots of ableism is rooted in good intentions.
When we break this down, essentially, it says:
‘There is something about you that is getting negative attention from peers. That thing about you is the problem and the burden of fixing it is yours.’
I would argue that the right support person for this situation is the school counselor. I would argue that the child who has been made fun of deserves support that reinforces the message ‘It is never your fault when people make fun of you.’ I would argue that the children who are making fun need support, too.
And if the child with a speech difference sits down with the counselor and shares that they would like to change the way their speech sounds, that is the perfect time to pull the speech therapist in.
But the burden of fixing ableism should never be placed on the victim of it.
