Invisible disability

 

                       INVISIBLE DISABILITY 

                     Not every disability is visible

   DISABILITY is a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.  When we think about disability, we have a definite perception in our mind that the person is in a wheelchair or he can’t see.

The physical disabilities are visible, we can recognize them but it is difficult to recognize the disabilities which are not visible. People always misunderstand persons with hidden disabilities. The characteristics of these diseases are very different from visible disabilities.

INVISIBLE DISABILITIES

“An invisible disability in simple terms is a physical, mental or neurological condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities that is invisible to the onlooker.” Source: Invisible Disabilities Association.

Invisible disabilities, or hidden disabilities, are defined as disabilities that are not immediately apparent. Some people with visual or auditory disabilities who do not wear glasses or hearing aids, or discreet hearing aids, may not be obviously disabled.

 

            


 Some Common Hidden Disabilities

  • Psychiatric Disabilities
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Epilepsy
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Attention Deficit-Disorder or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Learning Disabilities

 Challenges for a person with a hidden disability:

  • They may not know they have a disability or regard themselves as such.
  • They may not have been diagnosed.
  • They may not know what they need.
  • They may know what they need but are unable to articulate it.
  • They may often feel misunderstood or feel ignored or feel invalidated.
  • They may suspect something is wrong, but not know what it is or how to fix it.
  • One is unable to “see” the disability.
  • There are no “visible” supports to indicate a disability such as canes, wheelchairs, use, or sign language used.
  • It is a permanent disability that they cope with on a daily basis.

Educational Barriers

  • Stereotypes and stigma
  • Complex nature of psychiatric disabilities
  • Access to information and services
  • Coordination and communication

 Educational Supports

  • Academic supports (i.e., notetakers, reduced course load, and extra time on exams)
  • Mental health services
  • Peer supports
  • Coping

    What you can do to help!

  • Please understand that when the person is frustrated, confused, or agitated, it may not be a “teachable” moment.
  • Remain calm since your agitation will likely make a challenging situation worse.
  • Allow the person with the disability to learn their own way.
  • Allow them to show you what they know.
  • Be patient and non-judgmental!
  • Help them get diagnosed by making a referral.
  • If at all possible, help them develop a plan of action.

                                                                                                                              


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