Visible and invisible disabilities
"Research suggests the visibility of a condition may lead to stigmatization, a concept generally associated with feelings of shame due to discontentment and devaluation of others." (Ysasi et al. 2018)
What we know
Sport should welcome everyone. But people with disability can feel left out or judged when society values independence and productivity. This can lead to stigma, shame and exclusion. In Australia, around 9% of people with disability have experienced discrimination, and 31% have avoided things because of their disability.
Disability stigma doesn’t always look the same. The experience can change depending on whether the disability is visible or invisible.
Visible disabilities are easy to see, such as using a wheelchair or cane, having a service animal, wearing hearing aids, or having a physical difference. Invisible disabilities are not obvious, such as chronic illness, chronic pain, mental health conditions, or neurological conditions like ADHD, autism or learning difficulties.
People with invisible disabilities may hide their condition to avoid judgement, which means they miss out on support. On the other hand, they may be questioned when they do ask for help because their disability cannot be seen.
We also know that women and girls with disabilities – both visible and invisible – often face everyday discrimination, harmful assumptions and stereotypes, like being seen as less capable or valued. This can harm their confidence and mental health and limit their participation in life, including in sport.
Insights for coaches and officials
Sport can help people feel valued for who they are and what they contribute, not just what they can physically do. For people with disability to experience these benefits, sport needs to be authentically inclusive. Ways you can help achieve this are:
- Coaches – focus on authenticity and respect to build welcoming environments. Support women and girls with a disability to create a strong sense of self by helping them find their strengths and equally valuing all their contributions, including those not affected by their ability and those enhanced by their disability.
- Officials – support ongoing education and build relationships with others like coaches to work together so participants can have the best experience possible. Show empathy and understanding in competition settings, so everyone feels safe and included.
Source articles:
When what is unseen does not exist: Disclosure, barriers and supports for students with invisible disabilities in higher education | Disability & Society, opens in a new tab (or download full PDF), opens in a new tab
The Experiences of Microaggressions against Women with Visible and Invisible Disabilities | Journal of Social Issues, opens in a new tab (or download full PDF, opens in a new tab)