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BACKGROUND: Stigma looms over the disability community. OBJECTIVE OR HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of how societal stigma impacts depression among wheelchair users. METHODS: Mixed research methods were used on a sample of sixty full-time wheelchair users (M age = 43.78, SD = 15.50) whose disability was either acquired (n = 32) or congenital (n = 28). Data was collected via an anonymous Qualtrics survey. Qualitative and quantitative content analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified from the qualitative analysis, including pity, discomfort, and invisibility which demonstrated that our participants felt frequently stigmatized in public. Several participants noted how assumptions were made about their competence, intellect, ability, and the entire disability experience based on the physical representation of their wheelchair. The quantitative results demonstrated a positive correlation between The Major Depression Index and the Able Privilege Scale-Revised, a scale constructed to examine personal power and privilege in relation to society depending on disability type. CONCLUSIONS: Wheelchair users feel stigmatized by members of society, which is associated with increased levels of depression and perceived pity, discomfort, and invisibility.
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PURPOSE: Disability and ableism exist within a societal context that does not ignore the many facets of a person's identity, however often our disability research does not recognize how experiences vary based on the intersecting identities individuals hold. This article utilizes Intersectionality, Dis/ability Critical Race Studies (DisCrit), and Disability Justice to identify ways for rehabilitation researchers to adapt their research practices for maximum inclusivity and representation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using these three frameworks, we have developed a call to action including recommendations for rehabilitation researchers to consider as they design and implement research projects. RESULTS: Incorporating these frameworks provides an opportunity to reimagine current research practices. CONCLUSIONS: An accessible approach can help researchers better understand and report on the nuances of intersecting identities on the lives of disabled people.Implications For RehabilitationDisability identity and ableism must be viewed intersectionally, and disability related research must attend to the many facets of a person's identity.Intersectionality, DisCrit, and Disability Justice provide useful frameworks through which we can conduct more inclusive and accessible disability research.We present a call-to-action including seven general considerations that researchers can implement to guide the development of intersectional and inclusive disability research.
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PURPOSE: This viewpoint will expose readers to disability as a social construct shaped by power and oppression, not an individual medical issue defined by diagnosis. As professionals, we are doing a disservice if we continue to silo the disability experience to the limits of service delivery. We must intentionally seek ways to challenge how we think, view, and respond to disability to ensure that our approach is consistent with the current needs of the disability community. CONCLUSIONS: Specific practices related to accessibility and universal design will be highlighted. Strategies to embrace disability culture will be discussed as it is vital to bridge the gap between school and community.
