SMU Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion Mr Ho Jack Yong was interviewed for an article about people with invisible disabilities. Commenting on the findings of an exploratory study he conducted, Mr Ho noted that while “people seem to be more open when considering a person with disabilities as political office-holders or co-workers, there would be some discomfort when people were asked if they would consider having a person with a disability in their families as a potential romantic partner. He also highlighted that the participants of the study, when asked about people with disabilities, immediately thought of physical disabilities and forgot that disabilities include mental and sensory impairments. On the observation that people with a “hidden” disability often choose not to declare it due to a fear of discrimination, Mr Ho said "it can be a vicious cycle, with people with invisible disabilities choosing not to discuss the issues, and everyone being none the wiser." He has learnt through interacting with disabled students in the course of his work that self-acceptance makes a difference. Those with no option to conceal their disability tend to be more confident and sociable, he added. "They have less qualms about speaking up, seeking assistance, using the accommodations offered to them and dispelling misconceptions about their conditions."