Because the identity of disability is inherently stigmatized, many disabled people chose to manage this stigma while in public. Some attempt to "pass" as able-bodied, though this is impossible for many.  Signifiers such as mobility aids are often used to make disabilities more clear as to not be mistaken for other forms of deviance. 

Stigma Management

Evidence suggests that some types of disabilities are more stigmatized than others.
Developmental disabilities are often more stigmatized than physical or sensory disabilities.

The stigmatization of different kinds of disabilities

Disability is the largest minority group in the US (19% of the population) and one of the most stigmatized identities across cultures and history, yet it is surprisingly understudied in social psychology compared to race and ethnicity. Stigma is broadly defined as social devaluation based on a discrediting difference or identity.

Disability Stigma is Understudied but Significant

Disability is a form of involuntary social deviance that causes an overall negative response (stigma). As such, it is often defined in the context of power, marginalization, and oppression. 

University of Colorado at Denver

The quality of being discriminatory or prejudiced against those with disabilities.
Ableist behaviors can include stereotyping and devaluing people with disabilities or in some cases violence towards those with disabilities. 

Ableism (Disablism)

Grue, J. (2016). The social meaning of disability: a reflection on categorization, stigma and identity. Sociology of Health & Illness, 38(6), 957-964. 

Social Meaning of Disability

Criminal (and often violent) attacks that target individuals with disabilities.

Disablist Hate Crimes

Ableism inhibits social integration and cultural peace by reinforcing problematic attitudes.

Sociocultural Implications of Ableism

Disability Stigma

The authors note that an increase in disabled students does often note an increase in access for disabled students in higher education but does not have any bearing on whether or not academia still perpetuates ableism.

Correlation between Higher Numbers of Disabled Students and Ableism

Types of Disablism

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. 

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