The Experiences of Microaggressions against Women with Visible and Invisible Disabilities

Abstract

Only two prior studies have examined the experiences of microaggressions for persons with disabilities. Our study was specific to women with both visible and invisible disabilities. Using mixed methods, we asked about the frequency and bothersomeness of microaggression experiences, and in six focus groups with a total of 30 women, we gained more depth about those experiences. Guiding the semistructured focus groups were the 10 domains of microaggressions reported by Keller and Galgay. The women were over age 18 and had either a visible (77%) or hidden disability (33%). Eight (27%) were women of color. Findings supported the previous 10 domains, but we found two additional microaggressions: symptoms not being believed by medical professionals and thus delaying diagnosis, and disability being discounted by others based on looking healthy or young. We make five policy recommendations: (i) curriculum on unconscious bias against women and people with disabilities for medical professionals; (ii) targeted public campaigns to reduce specific types of microaggressions; (iii) changes to public transportation systems to increase accessibility; (iv) journal policy changes to encourage more attention to intersectionality in studies; and (v) greater transparency in psychotherapy about disability-friendly practices.

Consequences of Confronting Patronizing Help for People with Disabilities: Do Target Gender and Disability Type Matter?

“…Although the concept of intersectionality has gained significant traction in the field of psychology over the past decade (Cole, ), little research has considered the intersection of disability and other social identities. This limitation is noteworthy given that, contrary to popular belief, disability is far from a unitary construct, nor does it necessarily eclipse the other dimensions of social experience; rather, it represents only one facet of people's lives and interacts with other facets of their identities to shape their experiences and perceptions by others (Fine & Asch, ; Olkin et al., ). As an initial attempt to address this gap in the literature, we examined the role of gender in potentially shaping observers' perceptions of blind individuals who declined patronizing help through direct confrontation.…”

“…As such, a nuanced understanding of the consequences associated with confronting patronizing treatment should also consider the heterogeneity of the disability experience. Toward this end, we examined whether the findings from Study 1 might generalize to people who use wheelchairs, who constitute an important segment of the physical disability community and are frequent targets of patronizing help (Braithwaite & Eckstein, ; Nario‐Redmond et al., ; Olkin et al., ).…”

“…On the structural level, it may manifest as access barriers to physical spaces or information, such as lack of ramps, elevators, and Braille signage in public facilities as well as policies that restrict access to housing, healthcare, and education benefits (National Council on Disability, ; Nielsen, ). On the interpersonal level, it may manifest as hostility and violence, patronizing behaviors such as unwanted help, and awkward interactions fraught with anxiety and discomfort (Hebl & Kleck, ; Nario‐Redmond, Kemerling, & Silverman, ; Olkin, Hayward, Abbene, & VanHeel, ). Taken together, these forms of ableism place people with disabilities at a significant disadvantage across a wide range of life domains, including employment, higher education, and healthcare, thus hindering their full participation in society (Bogart & Dunn, ).…”

“…The present research focused on unsolicited, inappropriate offers of help, an interpersonal manifestation of ableism, and the consequences facing people with disabilities when they actively resist this form of ableism. According to a number of qualitative studies (Braithwaite & Eckstein, ; Nario‐Redmond et al., ; Olkin et al., ), encounters with unsolicited help represent one of the most common forms of ableism experienced by individuals with visible physical or sensory disabilities. Though often well‐intentioned, such imposed assistance can incur significant psychological costs because it implies that the recipients lack the ability to take responsibility for their own welfare.…”

“…This discrepancy in perspectives presents a dilemma for people with disabilities: Although accepting unwanted help may undermine their self‐esteem and sense of autonomy, refusing such help might have significant interpersonal repercussions, as highlighted by recent studies in the ableism literature. Specifically, individual interviews and focus groups with disabled individuals revealed that they are often accused of being ungrateful, rude, and hyper‐sensitive when declining patronizing help and that attitudes toward people with disabilities tend to become more negative when they violate the stereotype of incompetence and dependency (Braithwaite & Eckstein, ; Nario‐Redmond et al., ; Olkin et al., ). Additionally, Wang et al.…”