While it’s important everyday to learn about and include all people, today is a day to focus on those around us living with disabilities. We wanted to take this time to spotlight people whose disabilities we can’t see. Just like migraines, cramps, broken bones and a plethora of other pains that lie beneath the surface, there are many disabilities that aren’t noticeable unless you’re the person experiencing it. Everyone else can look at you and assume that your experience is similar to their own, but only you know what you’re feeling. To live your life where people may not empathize with you or think your pain is serious unless they can see it is alienating.

In this country, we have an issue with trivializing and criticizing what we don’t see. Another issue is the type of language we use to describe what we do see. Certain words and statements can perpetuate the stigma that being different is a problem rather than the mindset of our society being the larger issue. Using words or phrases like this toward a person who is different from you to describe something you don’t understand, is no longer accepted:

• “They’re not normal”

• Crazy 

• Psycho

• “Something is wrong with you”

• “What’s wrong with them?”

• “I hate seeing mess/unalignment, I have OCD”

• “She’s bipolar”

Changes in time and language are why advocates are beginning to teach person-first language. Person-first language is simply making sure to not use someone’s disability to define or describe them. For example, instead of saying “they’re an epileptic”, say “they have epilepsy”. We all have an entire personality, belief system, and set of experiences that help create who we are. No experience or diagnosis trumps that.

What Are Some Common Hidden Disabilities?

• Mental Disorders such as:

  • OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.

• Epilepsy

• HIV/AIDS

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Diabetes

• Multiple sclerosis

• Hearing Impaired

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Attention Deficit -Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Learning Disabilities (LD)

• Medical conditions associated with hidden disabilities. Examples include short or long term, stable or progress, constant or unpredictable and fluctuating, controlled by medication and untreatable.

• And More

What do Hidden Disabilities have in common?

• 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.

• The disability may be managed through medication or behavior such as in the case of diabetes, asthma, epilepsy or psychiatric disorders.

• It needs to be a documented disability in order to receive reasonable accommodations under the ADA.

• The person is in some kind of physical or emotional pain.

Keep in mind that you never know what the people around you are going through. Be kind and be present.

For more resources, support and more information please visit:

• The Invisible Disability Project

• Understood