I attended a fundraiser in Denver this past week that supported the Carson J Spencer Foundation. The foundation was formed by Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas to honor her brother Carson who lived with mental illness and eventually took his own life. Many attendees were impacted by suicide including the host, renowned photographer John Fielder, who lost his […]
The online Merriam-Webster dictionary has the following definitions for the word inspire to make (someone) want to do something to give (someone) an idea about what to do or create to cause (something) to happen or be created to cause someone to have (a feeling or emotion) Therefore, it follows that an inspiration is a […]
“You’re lucky you don’t have to work!” “You’re just giving up!” “You need to get out more!” When we break a leg, are we better off hopping on it or using crutches? Right after having major surgery, would we recover better if we went hiking or if we rested a bit in the hospital? We […]
But you don’t look sick.” “But you LOOK good.” “It’s all in your head.” “You just want attention.” When most people are sick with the flu or a fever, they become pale and droopy and their hair is in a tussle. Therefore, when we meet someone who tells us he or she is ill […]
Have you ever heard the words, “Well, what do you expect?” when someone learns that a person is living with illness or pain caused by an injury from their job or hobby. Maybe that person’s job was full of risk, such as working in a gold mine as highlighted on the Discovery Channel’s show Gold Rush, […]
“You could get better if you wanted to.” “You should just try harder.” “You’re being lazy.” “You need to be more motivated.” “You’re so needy.” Have you ever heard any of these comments from friends and family members? Have you ever said one of these to someone living with illness or pain? Often when we […]
“Why did I decide to found the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)?” This question has been posed to me on many occasions. The obvious answer is because of my wife, Sherri. As you may know, Sherri lives daily with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic Lyme disease, chemical injury and traumatic brain injury, as well as severe […]
What an amazing time to honor those who have given so much to ensure our freedom. To these individuals, I want to say thank you! It always amazes me when men and women believe so strongly in freedom and the American way of life that they are willing to fight for these causes. I am […]
By Wayne Connell, Founder and President of the Invisible Disabilities Association What is a disability? In general, the term disability is often used to describe a physical or mental challenge. This could be a bump in life that can be managed, or a mountain that creates serious changes and loss. Either way, this term should […]
Today is Valentine’s Day. Many people will celebrate it with the one they love. I asked my friend, relationship expert and New York Times best-selling author of 1001 Ways to Be Romantic, Greg Godek, for his thoughts on “love.” This is what he shared. “It’s all about love (just consult the Bible or The Beatles). […]
Have you ever seen someone get out of a car parked in a space reserved for people with disabilities, who did not LOOK disabled? Did it make you feel very uncomfortable or even upset? Did you let them know of your disapproval by giving them a dirty look or yelling at them? Well, you are […]
Invisible Disabilities Association Founder and President, Wayne Connell shares 7 points about invisible disabilities and how to be a source of support to those who live with them. This video is an excerpt from his seminar of the same name that he has given to various groups and organizations. Wayne’s wife, Sherri lives with debilitating […]
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving 2012 has already come and gone. Usually it falls on the last week of November, so it was early this year. Even though Thanksgiving is now over, when I started thinking about what to write about this month, the obvious choice was being thankful. So here it goes. I have so many […]
By Wayne Connell, Founder & President, Invisible Disabilities Association. Article Excerpt: See what an amazing difference IDA is making with our Annual Honor Awards Banquets. Not only is this an amazing night for attendees, but we share our videos from the evening and article about the Award Recipients to increase awareness, education and support around […]
Invisible No More! Shining a Light on the Incredible Perseverance and Courage of People Living with Illness and Pain. It all came crashing down in 1991. First, her legs became paralyzed and then, she received a diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), followed by a 10 day hospital stay. She slowly regained the use of her […]
Let’s face it; life is busy. People have work, kids, household, church or clubs, activities, travel and more. Nonetheless, in the midst of our active schedules, let’s remember those who live with illness, pain and/or disability. We may have a friend, family member, someone at church, at work or a neighbor. Although our schedules can […]
The mission of the Invisible Disabilities Association is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability. The term “touched by” is for both the caregiver (friend, family member, co-worker, healthcare worker, doctor, etc.) and the loved one living with the illness, pain or disability. In order to “encourage” we […]
Take the time time this next week and call one friend with an invisible disability and ask them if you can help them with an errand or chore before Thanksgiving. Clean a room, take them shopping, rake their leaves or help with a few loads of laundry. By helping them, you allow them to save […]
Take the time time this next week and call one friend with an invisible disability and commment on how their perserverance each day is amazing and an encouragement to you.
