What is an Invisible Disability?

An Invisible Disability is a disability that isn’t apparent immediately. There are vast amounts of such disabilities, yet there is much misunderstanding and/or lack of knowledge about them. Some people hearing of “disability” may have assumptions that limit the descriptor to being persons in wheelchairs or those with service dogs. While these are examples of disabled individuals, there are a multitude of conditions that some may be unaware of their inclusion among disabilities. Examples of Invisible Disabilities are situations such as ADHD, Bipolar, Dyslexia, Allergies, Asthma, Crohn’s Disease, and the list goes on.

How can you Support Invisible Disabilities?

There are a variety of methods to bring to support those with invisible disabilities. These are just a few examples!

  • Ask compassionate questions. Everyone individual is unique when it comes to invisible disabilities, so compassionate questions can bring clarity in our understanding of others needs. Having such sincere and genuine discussions about what can be done, even if it’s something small, can make a significant difference. If asking directly may seem intrusive, you may need to ask family, friends, co-workers, educators, etc. so you can be supportive in meaningful ways.
  • Be mindful. Many of those with invisible disabilities go through a lot internally and externally due to their conditions. Phrasing their situation with statements such as: “everyone gets like that” or “you don’t look like you’re disabled,” can be hurtful and further isolating. This ultimately doesn’t benefit the person or their loved ones facing their particular situation. Having a mindful openness in your understanding will help with responding with empathy.
  • Seek to know more about the diverse population of those with even invisible disabilities. Further reading is highly encouraged as a great first step! There are plentiful resources beyond this page where we can all learn more about invisible disabilities. As with any field of study, be sure to seek out and use reliable sources as misinformation affects almost every educational pursuit when done without caution.

  • How Does For-Mar Support Disabilities?

    For-Mar aims to be highly accessible for the many populations that visit the beautiful preserve. These accessibilities include many paved pathways leading to their educational & recreational Treehouse and Pavilion. Their Sugarbush Trail is also a paved walking loop to experience the wonders of nature and connects with the Dewaters Education Building where a multitude of hands-on learning experiences are shared for a wide array of audiences through the year. The Exploration Garden Space is built with both raised garden beds and pathways to allow those with limited or restricted mobility greater access in involvement. The For-Mar Visitor Center is central to the preserve and also includes a large quantity of tactile exhibits.

    For-Mar also offers further accommodations with programs with ASL interpretation. For-Mar Educators have also adapted environmental education to help encourage and meet the needs of visiting individuals with cognitive and mental conditions.

Want to learn more? Here are further resources to go deeper!

Notice: As further studies and research in these fields are conducted, listed information may change.

INvisible DIsabilities Association
Hidden DIsability Sunflower
Center FOr DIsability Rights
ACCessiblity.Com