News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.
Invisible Disabilities Week
Oct-18-2021
Events
As a society, we have come a long way in how we accommodate our fellow citizens with physical disabilities. Be it curb cuts in our sidewalks, ramps up to building entrances, or accessible parking spots, it is clear that we recognize that making modifications for people with physical challenges leads to a healthier and more inclusive community.
However, our progression toward a more accessible world has mostly been limited to accommodations for disabilities that are easy to see and identify. If you see someone using a wheelchair to move about the town, or a person wearing a hearing aid during a meeting, for example, you probably know they face some challenges and accept that adjusting somewhat to their needs is appropriate.
There is another category of disabilities that is far less recognizable, and therefore more challenging to adapt to – a category appropriately called “Invisible Disabilities.” The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) defines invisible disabilities as including “… symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments.” While not always obvious to the onlooker, these disabilities can range from causing mild challenges to severe limitations, and can often be chronic and just as debilitating as a physical disability.
According to Disabled World, up to 10% of people in the U.S. have a medical condition which could be considered a type of invisible disability. You probably know someone with an invisible disability, or maybe even have one yourself. Unfortunately, because of the unseen nature of their challenges, many people with invisible disabilities face judgement and discrimination simply because their disability isn’t readily apparent.
That is why IDA has designated the week of October 17-23, 2021, Invisible Disabilities Week to bring awareness and education about these common but hidden challenges faced by many of our friends and neighbors. Colorado Governor Jared Polis has affirmed the importance of this week by issuing an official proclamation recognizing Invisible Disabilities Week in our state.
The IDA website (https://invisibledisabilities.org/seminarsandevents/invisible-disabilities-week/) includes a number of ways you can be an active participant in this effort to increase understanding of how we can all broaden our views on disability, and move closer to creating a world of opportunity for all abilities.
