Granjon, M., Pillaud, N., Popa-Roch, M., Aubé, B., & Rohmer, O. (2025). Attitudes towards invisible disabilities: Evidence from behavioral tendencies. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, 8, 100164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbeha.2024.100164

Gettysburg College

Individuals with disabilities face varying stigmas based on whether or not their disability is seen as visible or invisible. These stigmas are most prominant in social, vocational, and educational settings. 

The differences in stigmatizing effects of visible versus invisible disabilities 

People with Visible and Invisible disabilities face differerent stigmas within the employment space that impact ability to obtain, maintain, and perform in jobs due to these stigmas. These stigmas vary across disabilities and personal experiences and impact each employee differently within the employment space, however research has found various overlaps across diagnoses and experiences. 

Employment and Stigma around Visible and Invisible Disabilities

Students with visible or invisible disabilities experience different biases and stigmas from educators. Students often face less social inclusion and  increased stigmatization by peers and teachers throughout their academic career.

Education and Stigma around Visible and Invisible Disabilities

Attitudes towards invisible disabilities: evidence from behavioral tendencies 

Olkin, R., Perez, K. A., & Steele, J. (2019). The experiences of microaggressions against women with visible and invisible disabilities. Journal of Social Issues, 75(3), 757–785. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12342

Reference: The experience of Microaggressions against women With visible and invisible disabilites

 Adi Sapir & Adi Banai (2024) Balancing attendance and disclosure:
identity work of students with invisible disabilities, Disability & Society, 39:8, 2032-2052, DOI:
10.1080/09687599.2023.2181765

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