The Truth of Invisible Disabilities
A beginner’s guide to understanding invisible disability
1 in 5 people has an invisible disability. That’s not some made up number. That’s from 2010 US Census data. 96% of all disabilities are invisible (2002 census data).
What is an invisible disability?
An invisible disability is a disability that shows no external signs or symptoms. These can be physical, intellectual, or mental.
Chances are you know someone who has one or have one yourself.
There are many specific challenges posed by having a disability no one can see:
- People don’t believe it exists
One of the unfortunate consequences of being invisible is people don’t always believe it exists. It’s hard to believe that which we cannot see, feel, taste, smell, or hear. At a former job my supervisor didn’t believe cancer is real, until her mother got it.
- There’s reduced community support
Government disability acts require ramps in order for a business to consider itself accessible. Many of these buildings will have a fine ramp, with aisles piled high with cans or boxes. This makes them as inaccessible as if they had no ramp.
- There’s a lack of…
