Silenced and Invisible: Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Higher Education

Researchers examined stigma attached to people with disabilities, focusing specifically on stigma regarding individuals with intellectual disabilities. The study involved focus groups with undergraduate college students in a major South Florida University, who did not self-identify as having any disabilities. We performed content analysis to understand perceptions and presumptions towards individuals with intellectual disabilities on campus. Our study addresses the question of how universities could act as a point of social justice. Our specific goal is to help reduce stigma towards individuals with intellectual and other disabilities to promote inclusion and integration to advance broader higher education and community equity goals.