Unlearning Ableism: The Ultimate, No-Nonsense Guide to Understanding Disability and Unlearning Ableism

by Jamie Shields, Celia Chartres-Aris

Overview

"Ableism is everywhere, and we cannot continue just burying our heads in the sand. To not stand up to ableism is to contribute to the exclusion and discrimination of Disabled People."

Think you know what ableism is? Think again.

Welcome to Unlearning Ableism, the book rips the lid off outdated myths, exposes the hard-hitting stats, and prepares you to be the Disability inclusive ally we know you are!

Written by people who get it, this book is a call to action from Disabled advocates and changemakers from around the world. You'll learn about language, identity, advocacy, intersectionality and how to stop disabling people at work and at home. Whether you're Disabled and ready to self-advocate or an ally who wants to do more than just talk about inclusion, this is your starting point.

Let's shake things up, challenge the status quo, and unlearn ableism together with accountability and action. Ready? Let's do this.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781805018766
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	11/21/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384

About the Author

Jamie Shields is a multi-award-winning Disabled speaker, trainer, consultant and founder who branded himself the Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino. He specialises in marketing, training, recruitment and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Jamie is named as the 2nd most influential grassroots community advocate in the UK 2024, and has been named on the Diversity Power List, Inspirational D&I Leaders List and supported clients globally.

Celia Chartres-Aris is a multi-award-winning Disabled Government special advisor, campaigner and lobbyist, researcher, policy and legal expert, founder and investor advocating for the improvement of Disability equity and human rights. Celia has received multiple awards recognising her work including being named The Most Influential Disabled person in the UK 2024, on The Global Diversity Leaders list, a Global Future Young Leaders Scholar UK Delegate, and named as the most influential Disabled person changing law and policy.
Together they are the co-founders of Disabled By Society, a 100% Disabled owned and Disabled led business, on mission to transform Disability exclusion to inclusion.

Editorial Reviews

This book redefines how we look at the word normal in the most welcoming way. Authors Celia and Jamie truly understand how to listen (not just hear) to our community and shine light on our collective abilities worldwide.

Dustin Giannelli

Having worked closely with Jamie, I've seen first-hand how his lived experience and professional expertise translate the complex into the practical. In Unlearning Ableism, he and Celia share a deeply personal, relatable guide-full of real-life anecdotes-that builds your 'antennae' to notice barriers, understand their impact, and remove them. It's about fostering fairness and opportunity not only in the workplace, but across everyday life-allowing every person to reach their full potential. With Jamie's gift for actionable guidance, it's a must-read for anyone committed to lasting change.

Judy Ellis