Habitat 67 - Fall 2022

19 One of the worst comments for someone experiencing an invisible disability is “You don’t look like you’re disabled!” Society has been led to believe most disabilities are visible. This is not true. Eighty percent of disabilities are invisible or hidden. Never heard of invisible disabilities? Here are a few examples to give you an idea: • Head or brain injuries • Hearing impairments • Vision impairments • Chronic pain • The autism spectrum • Post-traumatic stress disorder The Invisible Disabilities Association defines an invisible disability as “a physical, mental or neurological condition not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses or activities.” Unfortunately, the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions and judgments. Normalizing the conversation means understanding that disabilities vary. A disability can be emergent or chronic. It can be visible or invisible. It can be physical or psychological. There can be a singular disability or multiple disabilities. A little empathy and compassion can be a great help for those who live with hidden disabilities. BY DR. DE’ANDREA MATTHEWS , VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE Disab i l i t i es