“When one is disabled, the problem is not really that they have impairments and social skill deficits. The issue at stake is that they live in an ‘ableist’ culture that rarely affords them the space or opportunity to make their unique contribution to society and does not lift up the value of choosing them as friends.”
– BEN CONNER, AMPLIFYING OUR WITNESS
Not everyone with a disability uses an assistance dog, wheelchair, or canes. Millions of Americans everywhere have disabilities that are not always obvious to the onlookers, such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences, and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments. Invisible disability can affect daily activities in countless ways, ranging from mild challenges to severe limitations, all of which vary from person to person.
Invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities in ways that are invisible to onlookers. These invisible symptoms can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments.
Familiarize yourself with the concept of invisible disabilities and ways you can build a more accommodating work culture:
What it’s like to have an invisible disability at work https://www.marketplace.org/2018/06/22/economy/invisible-disability-workplace
5 ways to make your workplace inclusive for people with invisible disabilities https://blog.careeronestop.org/5-ways-make-workplace-inclusive-people-invisible-disabilities/