Disability Is Diversity

What everyone should know about ableism.

Kathleen R. Bogart Ph.D.

Autistic pride flag. The infinity symbol represents neurodiversity, the rainbow represents pride.

How a Snapshot of Autism Neglects the Bigger Picture

Racial and gender minorities are underdiagnosed with autism. This Autism Acceptance Month, let's move beyond the "white boy model" to accept minorities into the community.

We Need to Talk About Disability in Psychology Classes

Most psychology courses do not teach about America's largest minority group: disabled people. New research shows that covering disability in psychology classes can reduce ableism.

Men ready to play wheelchair basketball

What the Paralympics Can Teach Us About Ableism in Sports

Disability representation in sports is often limited or patronizing. Here's how we can change representation to fight ableism.

Dr Seuss' Birthday Cake

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss: Celebrating Unexpected Differentness

Books like Dr. Seuss's classic "The Sneetches" can teach children important lessons about inclusion.

More than 7,000 rare diseases exist.

How Psychosocial Support Can Help People Facing a Rare Disease

People with different rare diseases experience similar mental health challenges such as depression and stigma. We can help them more efficiently by developing cross-disease support

The Pandemic Weighs on Disabled People's Mental Health

Disabled adults face increased stigma-related experiences, more extreme isolation from formal and informal support systems, and exacerbated worries about severe illness and death due to COVID-19.

Kathleen Bogart with friends at the Moebius Syndrome Foundation conference

One Difference Between Inborn and Acquired Disabilities

Adaptation to disability differs whether you were born that way or became that way. Comparing congenital vs. acquired disabilities may reveal crucial information about resilience.

Book Review: "A Face For Picasso" and the Meaning of Beauty

This beautiful new memoir about growing up with Crouzon syndrome explores beauty, disfigurement, identity, and trauma.

A Hidden Community: The Movement for Face Equality

Facial disfigurement is a globally neglected psychosocial and human rights issue.

Why Do There Seem to Be So Few Disabled Psychologists?

Disabled people are underrepresented in the field of psychology due to systemic barriers. The Disability Advocacy and Research Network is building a much-needed community.

Reframing Mobility in Young Children with Disabilities

Young children with disabilities are often denied independent mobility devices. One innovative program provides adapted ride-on toy cars for active mobility and play.

Disability Pride Month: Disability Is Broader Than You Think

Disability Pride Month is the perfect time to come out as disabled, especially if you have a non-stereotypical disability.

The Moral Model of Disability Is Alive and Well

Research confirms that the moral model of disability is prevalent in rural Botswana and elsewhere. Lessons from the field provide suggestions to promote disability equity.

Why Is the Stigma of Rare Disease So Common?

A new study finds that rare disease involves many levels of stigma. People with rare diseases were blamed, invalidated, or avoided, and faced systemic access barriers.

The Psychology of Ableism and Communication

Pandemic adaptations could level the playing field for people with disabilities, such as those with facial paralysis.

How Stores’ COVID-19 Policies Affect the Disabled Community

Grocery stores’ COVID-19 senior hours are also designed to keep people with disabilities safe. Despite good intentions, they may fall short of that goal.

Look Beyond Face Value: The Psychology of Facial Paralysis

During Facial Palsy Awareness Week, learn about expressive diversity from a professor with facial paralysis.

Rare Disease Day logo

Rare Disease Mental Health Issues Are Not Being Addressed

1 in 10 Americans has a rare disease but most have no mental health support. On Rare Disease Day, advocate for psychological support for rare disorders

Disability in Ads: Celebration or Commodification?

Consumers are asking brands for authentic disability representation. Nike has a new “hands-free” shoe inspired by disabled people. Did it get representation right?

7 Things to Understand on Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

A psychologist with Moebius syndrome explains why people with facial paralysis are misunderstood on many levels. Understanding expressive diversity can make us all better humans.

3 Models Underlying Assumptions About Disability

A lesson on the models of disability reveals how films like "The Witches" can perpetuate stereotypes. It's time to put the “evil disabled person” trope to bed.

People With Rare Diseases Need Better Social Support

New research shows which types of social support benefit people with a rare disease, and how they could be increased.

Facing Job Interviews When You Have Facial Differences

People with facial differences are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act from hiring discrimination, although they may not know it.

Facing Interviewees with Facial Paralysis

With more employers using virtual and AI interviews, people with facial paralysis may be at a disadvantage. Here's how to reduce hiring bias.

How Disability Pride Fights Ableism

Disability pride was the foundation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. On the 30th anniversary of the ADA, why is disability pride still rare?

Facial Paralysis Gave Me a "Mask-Like" Face

Wearing face masks for the first time? Lessons from a psychology professor with facial paralysis on how to communicate with limited facial expression.