Experiences of Ableist Microaggressions Perceived by College Students with Disabilities in Taiwan (80804)
Session Chair: Ta-Wei Wang
Sunday, 14 July 2024 10:30
Session: Session 1
Room: G12 (Ground)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
Past focus of the research on people with disabilities was related to symptoms of impairment and disability from the medical model. Current research focus on the environmental and social hindrance around them which prevent from personal development and growth. Discrimination and prejudice based on ableism within the society are among the biggest threats to their health and well-being. This current study attempts to understand the experiences of receiving those unfriendly, prejudicial, and other aggressive behaviors based on ableism within the society (i.e., ableist microaggressions) in college students with disabilities in Taiwan. A total of 16 college students with various disabilities participated in this qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect their personal accounts of experiences and impacts of the microaggressions, and how they coped with them. Preliminary analysis indicated that participants received ableist microaggressions from early stages in their life. Experiences of microaggressions came from various people (peers, teachers, strangers, helping professionals, and even families) in various contexts. Some microaggressions were minor, while others had lasting negative impacts. Several psychological mechanisms were developed to cope with the microaggressions, and microaffirmations (positive words or behaviors received from others) and allyship were helpful to counteract the harm caused by those microaggressions. Practical and policy suggestions were discussed to decrease prejudice towards people with disabilities and to build a more inclusive environment.
Authors:
Ta-Wei Wang, National Pingtung University, Taiwan
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Ta-Wei Wang is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at National Pingtung University in Taiwan
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