When Hyper-visibility, Invisibility, Ableism and the (dis)Abled Body Collide

Abstract

This thesis explores the historical and contemporary scrutiny of the (dis)Abled body, emphasizing the pervasive ableism manifesting in everyday interactions across various societal sectors, including higher education, the workforce, health care, and government agencies, dealing with issues of access and equity. Focusing on wheelchair users, the research delves into the dual phenomena of hyper-visibility—being subjected to excessive attention—and invisibility—being overlooked. Additionally, it confronts ableism, the emphasis on negative or inaccurate stereotypes. Using the Accessible Canada Act as a case study, this work integrates lived experiences, phenomenological approaches, and auto-ethnographic accounts from the researcher’s perspective as a wheelchair user. The thesis is a call to action for society to move beyond mere acknowledgment of the (dis)Abled, urging meaningful engagement that transcends bureaucracy, misinformation, and exclusion. It advocates for a more inclusive society that genuinely listens to, sees, and understands the (dis)Abled community thereby fostering better accessibility and inclusion for all.