Navigating a Neurotypical World: The Relationship Between Perceptions of Visible vs Non-Visible Disabilities and Sense of Belonging on a College Campus

Disability is defined through social, historical, and functional perspectives, making the disability movement unique in its overall fight for increased acknowledgement, education, and rights (Robinson & Judge, 2017). Distinguishing the differences between visible and non-visible disabilities is important to provide a general understanding of the unique barriers and challenges that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. Both people with visible and non-visible disabilities encounter stigmas and discrimination that impact their employment or education, as well as misconceptions about their capabilities. This study utilized a diverse sample of undergraduate students recruited through the Prolific survey platform to ensure broad representation of demographic categories. This study examined the relationship between self-perceptions of visible versus non-visible disabilities (Perry & Francis, 2017) and self-perceived sense of belongingness on a college campus. Using the GAD-7 to measure anxiety, the PROMIS scale for depression, the ATRA for attitudes towards accessibility accommodations, and the UES for belongingness, the study assessed various predictors influencing college students’ experiences. Findings revealed that anxiety and attitudes towards accommodations were the most significant predictors of belonging. While disability visibility did not significantly impact sense of belonging, individuals with diagnosed disabilities reported significantly higher anxiety and depression scores. Negative attitudes toward requesting accommodations were strongly associated with decreased feelings of university belongingness. This study emphasizes the importance for universities to increase mental health and disability accommodations in an inclusive manner.