When people think about disability, they usually only recognize people with disabilities they can see, such as a physical disability.

Invisible Disability

Invisible disabilities can be just as enervating and impactful as people without a visible disability. Because of this, we must understand the significant factors in providing services and care to people with disabilities, not just those we can see but also those we can not see. We need not compare them with our eyes, yet empathetically understand them, as they embody a different experience.  

The Stigma of Disability

Many will say they understand us but truthfully see us differently and judge in an obscure way, not an eccentric and exciting way. Because of this, we sometimes feel like no one ever understands us, perhaps not even ourselves. However, if we strive to see ourselves for who we are, the biggest step we can take is to de-stigmatize disability culture.  

When we refer to disabilities, there tends to be misunderstandings in ways those who do not live with a disbaility can’t understand. This difference skews how society interprets people differently, placing those with an less obvious disability in front of a mirror. When standing in front of this mirror, those without invisible differences don’t see what people with disabilities see. In other words, they feel their story transfers through a mirror; they think they can touch others’ souls and help them see more clearly. This way, others with disabilities feel heard and loved because they belong to something bigger, a purpose allowing them to be themselves.  

The Mirror of Understanding

As we stand in the mirror and try to touch others souls, we truly understand the needs and wants of individuals with different abilities. Processing emotions is difficult for people on the spectrum, and in this way, when we try to reflect on our thoughts and feelings, the words may feel disingenuous at first. Sometimes, we may ask people how they would feel in certain situations as we try to connect the dots to find truth in the words we convey. It’s wonderful to be an alley and want to support those living with an invisible disability, but sensitivity and approach is equally as important.  

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