Last week, we had a just-for-fun quiz about invisible disabilities. This week, we will consider information and facts about invisible disabilities.
Our first question to look at: Is there really any such thing as an invisible disability?
The answers to the next questions will give you information about these paradoxical-sounding conditions called invisible disabilities.
After several decades of living with fatigability, weakness, and pain that others (sometimes even doctors) could not see, I came across the term invisible disability about six years ago. And I thought, “Aha! That so perfectly describes what I live with.” So, I began this website with the dual purpose of encouraging those living with similar problems and educating those living without them.
Okay. So, that is my experience and opinion. Now let’s look at what others say.
Let’s ask questions and consider facts and opinions from other people.
Is there any such thing as an invisible disability?
If there is no such thing, how do you explain the following situations?
Look at the picture and see the woman in the grocery aisle. The one in the way because she’s moving so slowly! Do you notice the cousin sitting at his family reunion? He’s always sitting down! Are you aware of a coworker who takes for—-ev—-er to finish her work? She is so lazy!
Maybe they are just lazy or uncaring, but possibly these people have physical reasons for their actions. Reasons others can’t see. And sometimes, these hurting people themselves aren’t even seen.
Ask anyone who has an invisible disability if it is real, and they will say absolutely! Ask many doctors, and they will say yes also.
We believe the reality of these unusual conditions, so let’s dig a little deeper.
How does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) define a disability?
“An individual with a disability is a person who: Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.”
What does Wikipedia add?
“Invisible disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. . . . chronic illnesses and conditions that significantly impair normal activities of daily living.”
What does the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) say?
One writer considers a person to have a disability if he or she has difficulty performing certain functions (seeing, hearing, talking, walking, climbing stairs and lifting and carrying), or has difficulty performing activities of daily living, or has difficulty with certain social roles.
What are some specific symptoms?
Someone at IDA list these possible symptoms: debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments.
How does this impact our lives?
These often can’t be observed, although their consequences are. Severity ranges from mildly affecting a person’s day to severely limiting what an individual can do. Think about climbing stairs. If you were unable to climb one flight, would that impact your day?
So, are all chronic illnesses invisible disabilities?
No. For example, diabetes is a chronic illness. However, if the diabetic is able to control the disease, they will have no substantial impairments. So they can participate in their usual activities. Therefore, although it may be difficult to live with any chronic illness, with adjustments, many people are able to live normally.
Are all invisible disabilities caused by chronic illness?
I believe the answer is no. I do not have a chronic illness; various disorders cause my disabilities.
Summing up
Hopefully, this information about invisible disabilities has enlarged your understanding about why some people you know may not engage in life as you expect.
If you–like me–are invisibly disabled, then you are already too familiar with this information. But, maybe, you can share it with others.
Can you add to this information about invisible disabilities?
