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When you hear the phrase “disability awareness,” your mind might immediately conjure images of individuals in wheelchairs or the need for ramps and elevators. You might think of visible disabilities, like someone unable to walk or see. If you’re particularly open-minded, you might even consider aspects like disabled parking spaces and automatic doors. However, one crucial area often overlooked is that of invisible disabilities.
Invisible disabilities are defined by The Individual Disabilities Association as “conditions—whether physical, mental, or neurological—that aren’t visible externally but can significantly impact a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” This leads to misconceptions and judgment; people often wonder why someone who appears able-bodied is using a handicapped space or requesting accommodations. Unfortunately, many of us have learned the hard way not to ask for help.
A striking 74% of disabilities are invisible, meaning they don’t require mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. It’s essential to recognize that living with a disability is not a uniform experience. Many individuals with disabilities hold full-time jobs, raise families, and undertake the same daily activities as those without disabilities, albeit with more challenges.
Beyond Wheelchair Access
When discussing “disability awareness,” we aren’t solely advocating for more accessible parking spaces and ramps, even though those are vital. The conversation must include enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees that children with diverse abilities receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. This includes ensuring that autistic children have access to qualified aides and that kids with ADHD aren’t punished for behaviors stemming from their disabilities. I’ve argued passionately about this with everyone from family members to homeschool groups.
Advocating for invisible disabilities also means fighting for health equity. Mental health care and medications should be covered on par with physical health care. The costs of ADHD medication can be staggering, for instance. Additionally, there’s a pressing need for healthcare providers to understand and manage chronic pain effectively, without fueling the opioid crisis. This advocacy encompasses a range of issues, from seeking better treatment for severe endometriosis to scrutinizing conservatorships.
The General Apathy Towards Invisible Disabilities
The lack of awareness surrounding invisible disabilities can be attributed to several factors:
- They are not visible.
- If you don’t have one, they’re easy to overlook.
- Society tends to ignore disabilities, particularly when they are not immediately apparent, viewing them as inconvenient.
Take my experience, for example. I live with bipolar II disorder. Most days, I navigate life without issue. But occasionally, I face debilitating depression, which renders me unable to work or care for my family. During these times, my husband has to take off work. Society often stigmatizes this condition, suggesting I should feel ashamed, especially since it’s not visually apparent. If my disability were visible, there would likely be more understanding and less judgment.
People with invisible disabilities often face frustration when asking for accommodations. My friend, who has a severe allergy to cigarette smoke, can end up hospitalized if exposed. When she requests others to move away from her, they often react as if she’s asking for too much. Parents of children with ADHD and autism frequently encounter similar dismissive attitudes from others who misinterpret their children’s behaviors.
Similarly, my immunocompromised friend faces backlash when she asks others to wear masks during health crises. Given the potential risks to her health, it’s shocking how resistant some people can be to simple requests.
So, when we discuss disability awareness, it’s crucial to remember that it encompasses more than just wheelchairs and canes. Invisible disabilities deserve recognition. Have empathy and strive to understand that those utilizing accessible resources may have valid, unseen reasons for doing so.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this other blog post.
Summary
Raising awareness about invisible disabilities is essential in fostering understanding and empathy. Many individuals live with conditions that are not outwardly visible, yet they significantly impact daily life. Advocating for their rights means addressing educational needs, health equity, and societal attitudes towards disabilities. It’s vital to recognize that the experiences of those with invisible disabilities are just as valid as those with visible ones.
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