They’re defined as any disability that has little or no visible signs to others. According to some estimates, 70% of all disabilities in the UK may not be visible.
One in seven people worldwide have a disability. Among those, 80% are invisible. This equates to one billion people living with a non-visible disability.
Non-visible disabilities can be either neurological, physical, or mental. Being invisible creates additional challenges for others as they are unable to immediately see the reasons why someone is struggling or behaving differently. This could lead to misinterpretation or negative judgments. It is easier to recognise the signs and understand why others are experiencing difficulties, so it will be easier to help them.
Disabilities come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While some people with disabilities have obvious indicators for other people, others may have disabilities with few or no outward signs.
You might be able to tell someone is impaired just by looking at them while you stroll down the street. They might have a walking stick, for instance. They clearly have a visible disability.
Even though you can’t see them, there can be just as many disabled individuals nearby. They might, for instance, be autistic, suffer from a mental health disorder that is incapacitating, or experience severe chronic pain. They have an invisible impairment.
These Hidden Medical Conditions can make everyday life more difficult
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people perceive and interact with the world.
Autism is best described as a spectrum condition. Meaning that people with autism can come from any part of the spectrum. Autism presents differently depending on the person, although there are some common characteristics.
Autistic people may:
Autism is a condition in which a person’s brain functions differently. It’s not something that can be treated or cured. It is not unusual for people with autism to be judged or have negative preconceptions in social situations because of their thoughts and behaviour.
People with autism share their stories in a video made by the NHS.
Cognitive impairment symptoms can vary depending on their severity and stage.
Cognitive impairment refers to a condition in which a person’s mental abilities are impaired, such as their memory and thinking. This is more noticeable than what one would expect from a healthy person of the same age.
Although the condition is often associated with neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia, it’s not a symbiotic one. A person can suffer from cognitive impairment for many reasons, both short-term and long-term.
Cognitive impairment can be caused by:
Cognitive impairments can make it more difficult for people with cognitive impairment to perform normal tasks. People might mistakenly assume that someone with cognitive impairment is lazy or not paying attention if they don’t know about it. This is especially true if the person is younger.
Mental health conditions can affect how someone thinks, feels, and acts. This has a direct effect on mood and behaviour.
Mental health conditions may include, but are not limited to:
Mental health conditions can be wide-ranging. This means that the severity and symptoms of mental illness conditions vary greatly.
An example of this is what might happen to someone with anxiety disorders:
There is more awareness about mental health issues and better understanding nowadays. However, it may be difficult to understand why someone cannot change their behaviour or think a certain way. People with mental health conditions may find it difficult to live a normal life. This can lead to a worsening of their condition.
There are around 2 million people living in Britain with site loss. Around 300,000.
The severity and environment in which the person is living will determine the challenges they face. A person with a visual impairment will likely be able to perform daily tasks in their own home. Provided they are able to locate everything and understand the layout of the environment.
People with visual impairments may need aids to navigate unfamiliar environments or change environments.
Although this makes the disability more obvious to others, it does not mean people are able to recognise the kind of awareness that is needed to respond to the disability. For example, they should not touch or distract a guide dog.
There are many causes of visual impairments, but macular disease is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. Around 300 people are diagnosed each day with this condition.
The Macular Society in the UK is a charity that aims to find a cure for macular diseases through additional funding.
People with visual impairments may find unfamiliar or busy environments daunting. Or they might just need a bit longer to understand the environment and get to where they want to be. It is important to give people the time and space they need to navigate the world safely and inclusively.
One in six people in the UK has been diagnosed with hearing loss. There are almost 2 million people who use hearing aids. While hearing loss is more common in older people, it can also affect younger people.
These are signs of hearing loss:
Many people with hearing impairments suffered from the negative effects of restrictions during the pandemic. Communication was made difficult by measures such as social distancing and masks.
It’s because:
Ironically, COVID-19 brought about positive change for people with disabilities. It brought about some changes for those who are disabled or have been chronically ill for a long time. These changes include the ability to work, socialise, and access medical care from home.
People with non-visible conditions, like those with visible disabilities, may have difficulty accessing the resources or support they require due to a lack of awareness or understanding. Particularly because the presentation and symptoms of different conditions can be so drastically different.
Some heath conditions are not a disability. A condition can only be classified as a disability if it has a significant and long-lasting impact on the person’s ability for daily activities. This is according to the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability.
These conditions can be classified as a disability in terms of their health:
Encephalitis refers to brain inflammation. An infection or an autoimmune reaction could cause it. It can be serious and even fatal if it is not treated promptly. People can have visible or invisible disabilities.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term condition called myalgic encephalomyelitis. Although it can affect anyone, it is more common in women. It usually starts between the ages of 20 and 40.
ME is not currently diagnosed with a test. Instead, it is usually diagnosed after excluding other conditions. It can take some time to receive a diagnosis. People with ME might need to persist to get the necessary follow-up appointments.
ME symptoms can change over time and can fluctuate depending on many factors. A person suffering from ME may appear completely fine on one day but be completely incapacitated the next. These sudden improvements/declines can make it difficult for others to understand the condition. This can lead to misunderstandings because many ME patients prefer to live in their own homes and not be exposed to the worst aspects of their condition.
The long-term effects coronavirus (Covid-19) can cause, called Long Covid. It has been shown that Covid-19 can cause different symptoms in different people and for different durations over the past two years. Most people recover within 12 weeks. However, Covid refers to any symptoms that persist after that time.
Symptoms of long Covid include:
Because it is still relatively new, it may be difficult for people with long Covid to get their symptoms recognised There is also no official test that can diagnose the condition.
There are some things that you can do to improve your recovery if you have long Covid.
There is more awareness about mental health issues and better understanding nowadays. However, it may be difficult to understand why someone cannot change their behaviour or think a certain way. People with mental health conditions may find it difficult to live a normal life. This can lead to a worsening of their condition.
The Sunflower, introduced by Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a symbol of non-visible disabilities.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website explains that the sunflower is chosen because it “suggests happiness and positivity, strength, growth, and confidence, and is a universally recognised flower”.
One member of the Hidden Disabilities Team says that
“Wearing the Sunflower allows individuals to discreetly identify that they have a disability, non-visible, and may require additional assistance, kindness, time, or just a little more.”
The Sunflower is an excellent choice for care settings because it’s a non-verbal communication tool that allows people to be more patient. The wearer might also choose to talk about their disability, which can lead to deeper conversations.
“1 in 5 people in the UK have a disability. 80% of them are invisible.”
Sunflower’s goal is to make the invisible visible.
To communicate their non-visible disability to others, people with non-visible disabilities may wear the Sunflower lanyard. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has also expanded their product line to include wristbands and pin badges for people with sensory issues.
Non-visible disabilities (also known as hidden, invisible disabilities or invisible illnesses) are any type of disability that is not visible to others.
Non-visible disabilities are almost invisible to others. You will be able to better understand any adjustments or assistance that a person might require if they share their disability with you. Bear in mind that some people may not wish to share their disability with anyone.
Non-visible disabilities can include, but are not limited to, autism, cognitive impairments, mental health conditions and visual impairments, as well as hearing loss, Crohn’s disease and ME.
