The Concealed Struggles: Unveiling Invisible Disabilities
Invisible disabilities are impairments that, unlike physical disabilities, are not immediately apparent to others. This cloak of invisibility often leads to a cascade of misunderstandings, judgments, and at times, overt hostility when individuals with such disabilities request accommodations. Joni Eareckson Tada, a disability expert, encapsulates this bias by stating, “People have such high expectations of folks [with invisible disabilities], like, ‘come on, get your act together.’ But they have such low expectations of folks like me in wheelchairs, as though the thought is that we can’t do much”1.
The misconceptions around invisible disabilities stem from a lack of visible evidence, making it easy for others to dismiss the effects of these medical conditions. A typical scenario might involve a student with a learning disability requiring extra time during exams, only for classmates to misinterpret this accommodation as favoritism. Similarly, individuals with autism might face criticism for their behavior in social settings. This misinformed view often leads to damaging assumptions that a person is faking their condition, exaggerating symptoms, or even causing the impairment themselves through personal choices, thereby affecting relationships, self-worth, and career trajectories among other aspects of life2.
A glaring example of the societal bias towards invisible disabilities is seen in the life of Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, a deaf and beautiful model from England, also afflicted with a condition affecting her collagen formation. Jessica's outer appearance, juxtaposed against her internal battles, often confounds people's understanding of disability. Her journey illuminates the common dilemma faced by many with invisible disabilities - the constant need to validate their impairments to a skeptical society3.
Invisible disabilities encompass a spectrum of disorders including chronic pain, mental health conditions, and neurological disorders among others. The resistance faced by individuals when requesting accommodations is not just an accessibility issue but a societal one, steeped in ignorance and prejudice.
The pathway towards fostering a more understanding and inclusive society begins with education and awareness. Shattering the stereotypes surrounding invisible disabilities requires a collective effort to understand the nuanced experiences of those living with them. As we venture towards this goal, we inch closer to a society where individuals are not defined by their disabilities, visible or invisible, but are embraced for their unique abilities and contributions.
