Invisible Disabilities

Most of us have seen people using wheelchair ramps or hearing aids and canes for walking. We are quick to change our mannerisms around them, offer them help and comfort. Many of us also have encountered people suffering from fatigue, dizziness, or poor mental health and are quick to judge them without enquiring their well-being.
Often people think the term, disability, only refers to people using a wheelchair, crutch, cane or walker. On the contrary, the 1994-1995 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) found that 26 million Americans (almost 1 in 10) have a severe disability, while only 1.8 million used a wheelchair and 5.2 million used a cane, crutches or walker (Americans with Disabilities 94-95).In other words, 74% of Americans who live with a severe disability do not use any assistive devices. So, is there a way we can learn about these ‚Äúinvisible” challenges and become better colleagues, citizens and people?
An invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible externally, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities. Unfortunately, this invisibility more often than not leads to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments.