Passing and Disclosure

Definition

Passing refers to the ability of an individual, particularly one with a disability, to present themselves as non-disabled or to conceal their disability, while disclosure is the act of revealing one's disability status. These concepts are intertwined with the experiences of individuals in performance contexts, where the visibility of disability can affect both personal identity and societal perceptions. The dynamics of passing and disclosure can create significant implications for how disabled individuals navigate social environments and express themselves through performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passing can provide individuals with a sense of safety and acceptance in environments that may not be accommodating to disabilities.
2. The choice to disclose a disability is often influenced by social contexts, power dynamics, and personal safety considerations.
3. Not all disabilities are visible; some individuals may feel pressure to pass due to misconceptions about what a 'real' disability looks like.
4. Disclosure can be empowering, allowing individuals to embrace their identity and connect with others who share similar experiences.
5. The stigma associated with disability can complicate decisions around passing and disclosure, as fear of discrimination may lead individuals to conceal their disabilities.

Review Questions

• How do concepts of passing and disclosure affect the identity formation of individuals with disabilities?
  • Concepts of passing and disclosure play a crucial role in shaping the identity of individuals with disabilities. When individuals choose to pass as non-disabled, they may struggle with feelings of authenticity and self-acceptance. On the other hand, disclosing their disability can foster a sense of belonging and community. This dynamic illustrates the complex interplay between societal expectations and personal identity in the context of disability.
• Analyze the implications of passing for performance art created by disabled artists, focusing on audience reception and expectations.
  • For disabled artists in performance art, passing can significantly impact audience reception. When an artist passes as non-disabled, they may confront heightened expectations or assumptions about their work that overlook their lived experiences. Conversely, when artists disclose their disabilities, it challenges audiences to confront their biases and expand their understanding of what constitutes performance. This interplay can reshape narratives surrounding disability in the arts.
• Evaluate how societal attitudes towards disability influence individual decisions around passing and disclosure in various contexts.
  • Societal attitudes towards disability have a profound influence on individual decisions related to passing and disclosure. In environments where stigma prevails, individuals may feel compelled to pass to avoid discrimination or exclusion. However, in more accepting contexts that celebrate diversity, individuals might choose to disclose their disabilities as an act of empowerment. The shifting landscape of societal perceptions plays a critical role in determining how individuals navigate their identities within different social frameworks.

Related terms

Stigma: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person, often leading to discrimination against those who disclose their disabilities.

Identity Politics:

Political positions based on the interests and perspectives of social groups with which people identify, influencing how individuals choose to disclose or pass regarding their disabilities.

Impairment: A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities, often influencing decisions related to passing and disclosure.