Oftentimes in order to move forward, we need to look back. The Invisible Disabilities Association was founded in 1996. What was the reason for the founding of IDA? People would see my wife, Sherri get out of our car in an accessible spot and since she was not in a wheelchair, they would yell at us. “You’re not handicapped, you can’t park there.” Sherri said to me, “people don’t know all of the impact of my illness and disability because they can’t see it, I have an invisible disability.” We had never heard or seen the term before. Therefore, IDA was born and our message spread round the globe!!
Having an invisible disability makes life often difficult for many. These disabilities, illnesses and pain may not be apparent to the onlooker, yet to the person living with them they are very real. At IDA, we envision a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be “Invisible No More.” We believe that disabilities and illnesses are not uncommon. These disabilities are not hidden, imaginary or fake. They are as much a part of our lives as being left or right handed or having brown eyes or blue eyes. According to the CDC, it is estimated that as many as 27% of adults have a disability and 60% have a chronic disease.
Being “Invisible No More” with a disability is being treated no differently than someone without one. As a society, as neighbors, as friends, as family, we need to make sure we are not treating people with illness and disabilities like they are doing something wrong or lessor or damaged goods. We need to treat all people with dignity, honor and love. Some people’s disabilities and illness may have even impacted them so greatly that they become disabled and unable to work or even care for themselves. Other people may be able to work for 8 hours then be down for the count, while most people are able to move through life with minimal interruptions due to their invisible disabilities. Yet, seeing is believing is the issue especially with the invisible. We are all still human, “productive or not, invisible or not.” Spend 30 minutes with someone who has been in chronic pain for years and your life will be changed forever. Their tenacity, endurance and strength will amaze you.
By now you might start to see what IDA’s focus in 2024 will be and our journey has been a long one of trying to convince people. In 2022 it was “Time to Believe – Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not real.” And in 2023, putting “Care In Motion – Take time to Listen, Believe what is shared, and provide Support as needed.” Now it is time to be “Invisible No More – Our disabilities may be invisible, but we’re not!”
We are making progress. Many celebrities, influencers and executives are now starting to share their personal stories and journeys with disabilities. Celine Dion has shared about the impact of living with “stiff-person” syndrome, Selma Blair discussed how her Multiple Sclerosis symptoms were dismissed, even by doctors, yet she has been very public with her invisible disability. Lady Gaga’s fibromyalgia impacts her daily. Elon Musk has been open about his Asperger’s. Daniel Radcliffe explains his experience of living with Dyspraxia. Nick Cannon has shared about his Lupus for about a decade and the impact on his life. Oprah Winfrey discusses the impact of trauma and PTSD in her life. PTSD has impacted Ariana Grande, which she has shared publicly. Avril Lavigne informed the world about her battle with Lyme disease.
We hope that the more people understand that disability and illness are a part of life’s journey and it can impact anyone of us at any time, the sooner we will put aside our misunderstandings, disbelief and prejudice of others. Illness and disability are no respecters of people. They can and probably will impact us all, either ourselves or through a loved one.
Please join IDA this year and let’s make this our goal, “Invisible No More in 24!” Let’s love and believe our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors! Remember, “their disabilities may be invisible, but they’re not!” Our value is not placed in what we can accomplish or overcome, it is placed in who we are intrinsically as a person. We are all in this together! Until we are all Invisible No More!