SMA News Today Community › Forums › Our Community › Adults ​With​ ​SMA › Do people ignore you because of your disability?

  • Do people ignore you because of your disability?

    Posted by Community Member on October 1, 2026 at 10:19 pm

    I’ve been in several group settings recently where strangers have blatantly ignored me but have interacted with my friends. They go out of their way to introduce themselves to my friends, but wouldn’t even make eye contact with me.

    I don’t know why this has been bothering me recently, because, to be honest, it’s their loss, not mine. Even so, it’s 2026. Are we really going to act like disabled people don’t exist? 

    I do my best to ignore these people and not let them ruin my fun. But still. It’s discouraging. My most recent column is all about this topic. My most recent column is all about this topic. 

    Do people ignore you because of your disability? This is just me venting, so feel free to join me.

    Community Member replied 2 Members · 1 Reply
  • 1 Reply
  • Community Member

    Member

    I’m currently at home cuz I’m bedbound, but back when I could still go places with my wheelchair? All the time. And I noticed it every time. I don’t know why I notice it more than other people with disabilities, but you’re right – it is very discouraging and sometimes painful. Especially when the person is someone that you want to see you and engage with you – like a crush or someone you respect. And you’re right – it is crazy that it’s 2026 and people still “see” us the way they do. I obviously wish that would change and I’m trying to help elicit that change, but tbh, I don’t know if it ever will. And that is extremely discouraging.

Log in to reply.