On the Edge: Emerging Scholars
On The Edge: Emerging Scholars is a speaker series featuring cutting-edge research presented by emerging scholars and researchers from Edmonton's academic community. Presented by the University of Alberta's Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), these sessions take place monthly at the Strathcona Library Branch. All are welcome to attend and explore the forefront of academic discovery with us!
Not Disabled Enough: Rethinking Hidden Disability Online
What does it mean to be “not disabled enough”? For many people with hidden, fluctuating, or semi-visible conditions, this question defines daily life. Society often divides people into two categories: disabled or able-bodied. However, millions live in the “grey zone” between, unseen and misunderstood. In this talk, Emily Vilcsak shares stories and findings from her research project Beyond the Binary and Barriers: A Critical Narrative Inquiry of Hidden Disability Identity on Instagram. Drawing on personal experiences, interviews, and collaborative workshops, Emily explores how people in the grey zone navigate stigma, disclosure, and authenticity both online and off. She introduces spectrum-based language as a practical way to better describe these experiences and create more inclusive communities. By rethinking hidden disability online, Emily invites us to see disability differently, challenge old labels, and recognize the value of identities that don’t fit neatly into a box.
Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. MT | Online (Zoom)
About the Presenter:
Emily Vilcsak is a globe-trotting storyteller, disability advocate, and four-time founder who spent seven years solo traveling the world while completing her Master of Arts in Communications and Technology at the University of Alberta. Living with semi-visible cerebral palsy, she has turned the challenges of being told she is “not disabled enough” into fuel for research, advocacy, and community-building. Her platform, Disability Is Not a Binary, is dedicated to reshaping how we talk about hidden and fluctuating conditions and making space for those in the grey zone. Emily’s work sparks conversations about identity, visibility, and belonging.
Contact Us
Jay Friesen, Ph.D.
Educational Curriculum Developer
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
Email: jayf@ualberta.ca