Exposing Invisible Disabilities

Last week (October 13-19) was Invisible Disabilities Week. An invisible disability is an impairment that isn't obvious upon looking at a person with one. Just because the person doesn't use an assistive device like a wheelchair or walker doesn't mean he or she isn't limited in movements or senses. A hidden disability sometimes leads to misunderstandings or premature judgments by others. For example, a woman might be puzzled after seeing a man park in a handicap accessible parking space and get out of his car without a problem. It's possible the man parked in the handicap spot because he has a medical condition that makes walking long distances difficult, if not impossible. (Of course, a driver with a disability should have a handicap placard or license plate.) Invisible disabilities include symptoms such as severe pain, fatigue, or a mental disorder. For more information, go to the Invisible Disabilities Association website at invisibledisabilities.org.

2019 Invisible Disabilities Week logo

(image via invisibledisabilities.org)