Hard to believe it is 2025 already. We founded the Invisible Disabilities Association over 29 years ago and so many things have changed since then. I think of 9-11 and the impact felt around the world. Since 1996 we’ve had wars and pandemics and devastating hurricanes and apocalyptic fires and so many other dramatic impacts on our lives, it’s no wonder as a society we struggle with anxiety and depression and PTSD. 

We live in a world literally moving at the speed of light. We have more information at our fingertips than in all of human history combined. We have endured being “voted off the island”, rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars and have been “Liked” and “Disliked” on an almost minute by minute, hour by hour basis. Are we good enough to measure up and strong enough to endure? And we have looked at disabilities and illness as something that makes a person worth less than someone else. We all try to avoid disabilities yet anyone of us could be impacted by illness and pain, at any time. Over 20% of the world’s population has disabilities and according to the CDC, 27% of adults have disabilities and 57% have chronic illnesses.

Yet here we are in 2025 and it’s time to make a change. At IDA, our theme for 2025 is See the Invisible. How do we do that? Who are the invisible? The Invisible is everyone who has been disregarded, abandoned, disbelieved, misunderstood, accused, and misjudged because they live with an invisible disability, which for the millions living with a disability, illness, pain, addiction or phobia, is not readily apparent. If we can’t see it, we usually don’t believe it. 

How do we See the Invisible since in most cases they truly are invisible? First we need to open our ears and “Listen”. Listening requires the action of developing a relationship with your loved one or friend or neighbor. Showing them they are worth your time. You value them. You want to learn about what they are living with, all of the tragedy and sometimes triumphs. Learn about the uniqueness of their illness or disability and often more than one. 

Listening requires time. We are all busy! And the busyness in our lives will never slow down. As I like to say, “Let’s not let Busy be a four letter word”. The best way to listen is in person if possible, or via an online video call or via a phone call. People need to know you care by seeing your face or hearing your voice. Of course, some people with invisible disabilities are hard of hearing or visually impaired and you will need to ask them what works best. The keys to listening are giving them your undivided attention and validating their story. Our book “But You LOOK Good” will provide some great ideas on “what to say” and “what not to say” as some things that might come across differently than you  intended. You will definitely learn new things, hopefully develop a better understanding and maybe even have your life changed.

To “Listen” is the first step to See the Invisible. The second step is to “Believe”. We believe by understanding that people’s  journeys are  real and valid. Invisible disabilities, illness and pain are not imaginary or fake. It’s not up to the onlooker to decide the validity of what the “Invisible” are living with. 

Sometimes things may not make sense to us. How could someone get sick from perfume or cologne or laundry detergent? The government wouldn’t allow that right? Oh wait, cigarettes and bug spray are available for sale. Or I saw you out in public walking, the pain must not be as bad as you said. We have no idea if their trip was to the doctor or for some other reason and it is up to the person living with the invisible disability or pain as to their abilities or not. We must believe them when they say they can perform certain things at certain times and maybe not be able to do other things when they look like they can. 

Judging someone comes into play quickly when we think we know all about them by a 5 sec glance. We might even try to play an armchair Doctor and think we know about their illness or disability or the extent of it by what we see or don’t see.  Let’s See the Invisible by believing them, period.

Thirdly, we See the Invisible by taking the action to “Support” them. And what does supporting them mean? Support is an action word which means to hold up or give assistance to. After listening and believing, which are both initiated by us, supporting requires a question to your friend or loved one and their input back. Do you need support? If so, how may I support you? It is not for us to determine if the “Invisible” need help or what specific help they need. 

The acts of listening and believing hopefully will create a good relationship which allows for the opportunity to support. Take the action and ask if they need help and if they do, how. The person living with illness, pain and disability knows best what would support them. Sometimes it’s simple and sometimes it’s more involved. Either way, it is worth the effort it takes as we are all valuable and part of the human race. And if you made it this far in your ability to See the Invisible, your loved one or friend or neighbor or co-worker will hopefully feel like they “do” matter and maybe even feel less “Invisible” and accepting of your support.

As a society, we can do this! We can See the Invisible! We are all in this together. Let’s envision a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More! Join IDA in 2025 and See the Invisible, by “Listening, Believing and Supporting”. ~ Wayne Connell, IDA Founder