It is important for students to be aware of non-visible disabilities in order to provide accommodations and avoid misunderstandings.
According to the Invisible Disabilities Association, an invisible disability is a “physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit a person’s movements, senses or activities.” The IDA also says that “74% of Americans who live with a severe disability do not use [physical] devices.”
These disabilities can be congenital or acquired throughout a lifetime. Typically, medication is used to subdue and control symptoms, but there is no cure for disabilities. It is crucial for individuals to be non-judgmental and raise awareness of such disabilities as they are hard to notice and speak openly about.
Benefits.com says the most common invisible disabilities are chronic pain, mental illness, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. This is not an exhaustive list of all invisible disabilities, there are many more that are not well-known or discussed because they are difficult to detect.
While mental illnesses are getting more recognition and are beginning to become de-stigmatized, these invisible disabilities can be so debilitating and uncontrollable that those who suffer from them may qualify for Social Security benefits.
Strong support systems are important for anyone with non-visible disabilities because they make the individual feel validated and reassured. It is imperative that students know how to listen and advocate for those who are silently struggling. Some tips from Paradigm Treatment are to learn more about invisible disabilities.
While it is important to understand the symptoms and hardships for a sufferer, it is also important to recognize that they have their own treatment and care plans and trying to tell them how to treat themselves is likely not the best way to help them.
Paradigm also encourages the person to be proactive with their support and help, and not wait to be asked. The article says, “it is worth recognizing when someone you care about might want or need help, but might not always be able to ask for it.”
