"INVISIBLE DISABILITIES

“Don't judge a disability by its visibility.”

When we think of a person living with a disability, we often picture someone in a wheelchair or with an artificial arm or leg. But did you know that 90% of people living with disabilities in Australia are living with what is known as an invisible disability?

Invisible, or non-apparent, disabilities are physical, mental, or neurological conditions that can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities, and can impact that person’s ability to learn or work.

Not all disabilities are apparent from the outside. These physical, mental, or neurological conditions—known as invisible, or non-apparent, disabilities—can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities, and can impact that person’s ability to learn or work. These conditions affect students and educators more than you may think.

Common non-apparent disabilities include cognitive dysfunction, chronic fatigue, and sensory-processing disorders. They also include autoimmune disorders, depression, diabetes, vision impairments, and trauma, among other conditions.

Just because you cannot see it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Many people living with an invisible disability are subjected to unwarranted advice or hasty judgements, even others believing that they are ‘faking it.’ ?It’s all too easy to say, “But you don’t look sick,” without realising the impact of those words.?Others may try and give helpful advice that is not warranted (for example, have you tried yoga or alternative herbal treatments?) without first educating yourself on the condition.

This is also an issue when it comes to accessible toilets and parking spaces – they’re there for a reason, and it’s not always an obvious one. Next time you see someone using them, although they may not look like they have a disability, keep in mind that not all disabilities are visible. If you see someone driving into a disability designated car parking space, and then walking quite normally towards their destination, remember that someone with an invisible disability may only be able to walk a certain distance because of their condition.

If we are all mindful that upon meeting someone, you have absolutely no idea what their life story is or whether they are living with a condition that can cause them some pains or struggles, we can support a kinder and more inclusive world.

Fighting the stigma surrounding invisible disability can sometimes be more exhausting or painful than the actual conditions —?and sometimes, it stops people from seeking supports they're entitled to access.

Many disabled people self-identify in different ways. There are several ways of talking about non-visible disabilities.

Some people with disabilities that are not obvious prefer the phrase ‘non-visible’. This is because the word ‘invisible’ can erase the legitimacy of the disability, or imply the disability does not exist.

‘Hidden’ disability can imply a person is hiding their disability on purpose. ‘Less-visible’ disability does not encompass those whose condition is completely non-visible.

With non-visible disabilities it is important to emphasise that even though the disability cannot be seen, it does not mean it does not exist.

Some ‘non-visible’ conditions are visible or obvious sometimes. Also, they can be 'seen' by some people who might have a better understanding of the condition. But they are not usually visible to others.

Non-visible disabilities are named this way because you cannot always easily see the nature of the disability. Some people with non-visible disabilities might use mobility aids, whereas others will not.

Also, some people with non-visible disabilities might have a ‘dynamic disability’. This means that sometimes they might use a mobility aid, but other times they might not need it. Likewise, sometimes they might need to use a priority seat on busy public transport. Other times they may not feel they need to.

People with non-visible disabilities want to be treated with respect and as individuals – just like people with visible disabilities and the general population. Even though you cannot see evidence of a disability, the disability still exists.

Nobody has to tell you they have a disability, or explain what it is. People can choose to keep this private. Some people may choose to wear a lanyard or carry a badge to show that they have a non-visible disability. It shows they may need extra support whilst travelling or shopping. Other people with non-visible disabilities prefer not to do this. Some people may wear a different lanyard or badge to alert you to their disability or ‘impairment’.

Everyday things can be difficult for people with non-visible disabilities. These include travel, work, shopping and socialising.

Making sure not to judge someone based on whether their disability is visible or not is crucial.

Listening to disabled people and making sure accessibility is inclusive is important. This could help improve the lives of people with both visible and non-visible disabilities.