Invisible Disabilities 101: What You Need to Know

When most people think of the word “disability”, they picture someone using a wheelchair, walker, guide dog, or maybe even a prosthetic of some kind. But there’s more to disability than meets the eye.

So, what is a non-visible (aka invisible) disability?**
**(see note below in “The Basics”)

[Image description: A light grey square with yellow dots along right side. In blue cursive letters reads What is an invisible disability?". Below in grey block letters says “We use the terms non-visible”, “invisible”, and “hidden” disabilities interchangeably.” Below reads “A physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person's movements, senses, or activities. Source: Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). Diversability logo bottom center]

Below you will find a basic guide for understanding, living with (and around) non-visible disability, and everyday steps you can take to create a more inclusive, supportive, and accessible world for people with invisible disabilities.

The Basics

We already know what a non-visible disability is. But what does that mean? 

Simply, it means the disability can’t be seen. To the average observer, people with invisible disabilities look “normal”. They don’t use a cane or wheelchair, have no obvious impairment, and don’t appear to be severely ill. In fact, at first glance, these people look like any non-disabled person going about their day. However, these people do in fact have a disability.

**Note: The terms non-visible and invisible are both often used to describe these conditions and disabilities. While there has been a notable shift towards using "non-visible" rather than "invisible", both are largely considered acceptable and are used interchangeably throughout this guide.

There are numerous debilitating physical and mental conditions that fall under the umbrella of invisible disability. Examples include diabetes, cancer, pain conditions, post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD), Endometriosis, ME/CFS, and many more. Unfortunately, the very fact that these conditions are invisible often leads to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments.

About Invisible Disabilities

To get a better understanding of non-visible disabilities, let’s take a look at some data. 

[Image description: A light grey square with bold black letters that says "About Invisible Disabilities". Below on four rectangle blocks of varying shades of yellow read "Roughly 10% of people in the U.S. have some type of invisible disability"; "People with invisible disabilities are often accused of faking or imagining their disabilities."; Invisible disabilities impact women and many are not yet well understood by health care providers or the general public."; "73 percent of people who live with a severe disability do not use devices like a wheelchair.". Below in smaller black block letters says "source: UN, WHO, CDC, NCBI, NWPC." Diversability logo at bottom center.]

Across the U.S., there are over 61 million people with some kind of disability. Of that number, 73% do not use assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers, and 96% of Americans with a chronic illness suffer from an invisible one. These numbers demand a new understanding of disability - beginning with the assumption that it involves the use of assistive equipment or using criteria solely on the basis of outward appearances.

Common Ableist Microaggressions

One of the most significant hurdles facing people with invisible disabilities are microaggressions. Microaggressions are “a comment or action that expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group”. They are often subtle, unconscious, or unintentional, but do equal amounts of damage as open discrimination. They perpetuate inaccurate and harmful stereotypes, lead to alienation and exclusion in any setting, and even induce Imposter Syndrome, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

For people with invisible disabilities, microaggressions are particularly challenging. With an intense focus on the lack of visible cues to alert non-disabled people of our disability, and the introduction of Inspiration Culture, there has developed a unique set of microaggressions experienced by this part of the community. Here are a few of them…

“But you don’t look sick”
“Have you tried yoga?”
“That happens to me too.”
“I’m totally OCD about that myself.”

[Image description: A light grey square with a light yellow brush stroke behind black bold letters reads "Common Ableist Microaggressions." Below in text of various sizes and angles reads "But you don't look sick"; "I'm totally OCD about that too."; But you're so young!"; "Show me where it hurts."; "You can't park there. You're not in a wheelchair."; "Come on, you can do _____."; "You're an inspiration. I could never deal with that."; "Have you tried yoga?"; "Can I pray for you?"; "What's wrong with you?"' "Must be nice to sit at home all day"; "Differently-abled."; "Get better!"; "Don't you miss X?"; "It's not that bad."; "That happens to me too."' "At least...". Diversability logo at bottom center.]

Non-Visible Disabilities and COVID-19

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed many underlying inequalities faced by those with invisible disabilities. Because this group often has higher healthcare-related needs, they are especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of low quality or inaccessibility to healthcare services. As the healthcare industry has had their focus shifted towards overwhelming numbers of COVID patients, people with invisible disabilities have experienced less access to necessary care, higher levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, and medical gaslighting.

The conversation surrounding invisible disabilities is especially pivotal now, as increasing numbers of people with post-COVID syndrome (the long-term effects of having contracted COVID) now join the ranks of millions living with invisible disabilities in need of meaningful solutions to a decades-long fight for visibility, accessibility, and equity in every facet of life.

Community Insights

We asked our Diversability community members what it’s like living with non-visible disabilities. Here are their thoughts:

"I don't fit the stereotypes of what Disability looks like, so I have to constantly prove I'm Disabled and often times I don't receive the accommodations I need because I don't "look Disabled""
--- Vickey Young

I can pass [as non-disabled]. This means both that people may include me in their activities without reservation (I get invited to stuff), but also that I have to explain time and time again, to their great confusion, why I unfortunately must decline their invitations.
--- Nicole Lee Selinger

"I wish non disabled people understood that it can happen to anyone. We are not a separate species. Some disabilities occur later in life, some people are born with a disability. WE ARE ALL NORMAL PEOPLE."
--- Sarah Dillingham

Next Steps

Whether you live with a non-visible disability yourself, know someone who does, or you simply want to help create a more accessible and equitable environment for those of us who do, there are a few things you can do every day that improve the lives of people with invisible disabilities.

Own

First and foremost, owning your role in the quest for equity is a great and important first step. For some, it means accepting a new identity as a person with [invisible] disabilities. For others, it is recognizing the need for radical action and committing to listen, learn, and do what it takes to create change. Whatever your role, equity for people with non-visible disabilities requires input from everyone.

Advocate

Educate others about the realities of life with non-visible disability and encourage them to do their own research. Provide meaningful first-hand knowledge, accurate resources, and real-world solutions. This gives others a clear perspective and key facts to guide actions (see allyship). Know your rights, and those of others. People with non-visible disabilities are entitled to equality under the law. Having a personal understanding of those protections helps to put systems in place to assist in important decisions. And finally, stay firm. Don’t give up! Dedicate yourself to getting what you need and want for yourself and others. The lives and rights of people with non-visible disabilities are worthy of dedicated efforts. Every effort is an important one. Keep it up.

Become an Ally

Allyship brings with it the power of privilege to improve the lives of those who are marginalized. For the invisible disability community, it provides an important level of communication, understanding, and action necessary to put to rest the stigma and shame that plagues so many. Allyship does not have to include grand gestures or time in the spotlight - there are simple everyday actions you can take to be a meaningful ally. When you see or hear microaggressions, call them out. Address the stigmas and inaccuracies surrounding life with invisible disabilities. Support and empower people with non-visible disabilities by shopping small, following their pages, and sharing their stories. Not only does it provide meaningful support and empowerment, but it bridges the gap between the non-disabled and disabled communities. And that’s the beginning of progress!

Whether you are a disabled person yourself or a non-disabled ally looking for ways to become part of the movement for progress, there is always something new to learn about the diverse community of disabled people. And with the vast majority of disabled people living with a non-visible condition, I find it to be a great place to start!