Chris
I'm sorry, but nothing is "obvious" in terms of the social
construction of 'disability'. There are a number of considerations to
be taken into account.
In dominant UK culture - what is often called the individual tragedy
approach - 'disability' is viewed usually as the measurable impact of
functional loss, caused by an impairment, upon an individual's ability
to perform bodily daily tasks considered "normal" for someone from
their background. Nevertheless it is all too common for impairment and
disability to be conflated into one 'characteristic' of an individual.
In terms of those who see "disability" as social restriction caused by
negative interaction between an impaired individual and their social
environment -- the terms are 'hidden or invisible disabilities' are
meaningless. This is not to ignore or discount the experiences of
those people who have impairments or health conditions which are not
subjected to the usual stereotyped assumptions arising from "the
public gaze" on an impaired body - they are often subjected to other
stereotypes or dismissed altogether.
The key question to ask is: "what is being 'framed' in discourses
where terms such as 'hidden' and 'invisible' disabilities (sic) are
being employed"? It is often said I have an "obvious disability"
(sic), if that is so, why am I often viewed and abused at this time of
year? I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater; I'm
suggesting there is no single "definition" because there isn't a
common starting point. Finally, simply because someone is spied with a
hearing aid doesn't provide you will any information beyond the fact
they have a "loss of hearing" - no knowledge of degree, personal
history, how they communicate, what kind of disabling barriers they
encounter, etc.
Bob Williams-Findlay, MA
On Thu, Dec 8, 2011 at 9:32 AM, Chris Rossiter <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear All,
>
> I have come across the terms 'hidden' and 'non-visible' disabilities throughtout the literature. While at face value these terms seem obvious I have struggled to define an actual definition or classification of conditions which would qualify as hidden. For example I am at a loss as to understand if certain aids would mean an otherwise hidden disability would indeed be visible (i.e. a hearing aid).
>
> If anyone could enlighten me on this, or share any references I would be very grateful.
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Chris
>
>
>
>
> Christopher J. Rossiter
> PhD Researcher & PsyPAG Representative (BPS Wessex Branch)
> Department of Psychology & School of Management
> 03 AD 00 University of Surrey
> Guildford. GU2 7XH
> ________________End of message________________
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