The Experiences of Microaggressions against Women with Visible and Invisible Disabilities

Abstract

AbstractOnly 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.