By Shannin Prather
July 2018 | 2018 Summer Newsletter
While many disabilities are immediately apparent (especially if someone relies on a wheelchair or a cane), many are not visible. People living with invisible disabilities face particular challenges within their communities.
An invisible disability refers to symptoms such as immense pain, exhaustion, dizziness, cognitive issues, brain injuries, learning differences, mental health disorders, hearing loss, and visual impairments. Symptoms are not always obvious at a glance, but these conditions may severely limit daily activities. Invisible symptoms often lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments by people who are not familiar with the impact of an unseen condition.
When a disability is not immediately obvious, others—at work, school, stores, or even at home— may sometimes doubt its existence; and perhaps think the person is simply angling for special treatment or even exaggerating. Unfortunately, people often judge others by what they see and make incorrect conclusions about a person’s abilities based on the way they look.
In “Disabilities are Not Always Obvious,” The Guardian, Nia Sims writes “…many of my friends have told me of being abused (verbally or via notes left on their cars) by strangers when using an accessible (or “disabled”) parking space…These are friends who have a disability parking permit clearly displayed…but what they fail to display is a disability that is immediately apparent to others.”
An estimated 10% of the U.S. population suffers from an invisible disability. These individuals may appear healthy while they are inwardly fighting a difficult illness. Many individuals may have both an invisible illness and a visible disability. For example, a person who is paralyzed may also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Invisible illnesses may not be treated seriously; as they may be neglected or misunderstood.
Find help if you are having difficulties with an invisible disability. Organizations offer peer support; education; reduced stigma; and supportive understanding to help you successfully manage your challenges.
Online communities, such as Invisible Disability Project, offer a platform to share your stories and promote awareness. In their Unseen Zine Blog, guest contributor Haley Zilberberg writes “I have always attached shame to my disability…Invisible Disability Project gave me the platform to voice my experiences as a person with invisible disabilities in a positive way that makes me feel powerful…”
Learn more by visiting Invisible Disability Project: invisibledisabilityproject.org; the Invisible Disabilities Association: invisibledisabilities.org; or call a Community Resources Specialist of Sourcewise: (408) 350-3200, option 1.