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Do people ignore you because of your disability?
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.
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4 Replies
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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.
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I hear you. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I think some people will always refuse to accept us and engage with us, no matter how hard we try to advocate. That said, I do believe some people are listening and learning. 💛
But also, what the heck?!
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lol Exactly. What’s worse is that a lot of the people that will never truly see us or care about us are the people that decide how we live each day – the president, senators, judges, cops, etc. It actually kinda scares me
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I hear you. 😕
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