Gaslighting in disability

Gaslighting* is a form of psychological manipulation and emotional abuse where a person makes someone question their own perception. It involves denying or distorting reality, making the victim doubt their experiences, feelings, or judgment. It can be a practical example of indirect discrimination, and can be subtle yet harmful.

Characteristics

1. Minimization: "It was just a joke."

2. Blame-shifting: "You're overreacting."

3. Projection: "You're the one who's unfair."

4. Guilt-tripping, anger, or self-pity.

Gaslighting tactics

1. Dismissing feelings: "You're too sensitive."

2. Withholding information: "I don't know what you're talking about."

3. Countering: "No, that's not what happened."

4. Diverting: Changing the subject or diverting attention.

5. Trivializing: Downplaying the severity of the situation.

Gaslighting in disability contexts

1. Denying disability experiences: "You're not really disabled."

2. Minimizing accessibility issues: "It's not that hard to navigate."

3. Blaming disability for problems: "Your disability is holding you back."

4. Questioning disability diagnosis: "You're just seeking attention."

Remember, gaslighting is never acceptable. You have the right to your feelings, experiences, and reality.

Here are more examples of indirect discrimination

Excuses used to justify exclusion -

1. Cost or resource constraints

2. Health and safety concerns

3. Logistical challenges

4. Lack of demand

5. Unforeseen circumstances

Well-planned exclusion -

1. Implementing policies that disadvantage people with impairments.

2. Creating barriers to education or employment.

Recognizing and addressing indirect discrimination requires awareness, empathy, and proactive inclusivity.

*

The term gaslighting was coined from the 1938 British play called Gas Light, in which a husband manipulates a wife into thinking she is crazy by slyly changing the intensity of the gas lights in their home when she is left alone. He does this in an attempt to make her believe she cannot trust herself or her memory.