Disability Stigma

Negative attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice, and discriminatory behavior directed toward people with disabilities. Disability stigma can lead to social exclusion, reduced opportunities, and internalized shame. In many contexts, particularly in parts of the Global South, disability stigma can be severe — people with speech disabilities may be isolated because their communication is not understood, children with disabilities may be abandoned or hidden, and families may face social pressure. Stigma also affects assistive technology adoption, as visible AT devices may mark users as "different." Mobile AAC applications on mainstream smartphones can potentially reduce stigma compared to dedicated AAC devices.