Join Invisible Disabilities Week on Oct. 15-21. By doing so, we are unified in our mission to bring awareness, education and support to our neighborhoods and around the world about invisible disabilities. 

People often ask what the term invisible disability means. In simple terms, it is a physical, mental or neurological condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities that is invisible to the onlooker. Unfortunately the very fact that these symptoms are invisible, can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions and judgments.

Join Invisible Disabilities Week: Why and How to Define Invisible Disability

The term we define, invisible disability, refers to symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments. These are not always obvious to the onlooker, but can sometimes or always limit daily activities, range from mild challenges to severe limitations, and vary from person to person.

Unfortunately, people often judge others by what they see and often conclude a person can or cannot do something by the way they look. This can be equally frustrating for those who may appear unable, but are perfectly capable, as well as those who appear able, but are not. The bottom line is that everyone with a disability is different, with varying challenges and needs, as well as abilities and attributes. Thus, we all should learn to listen with our ears instead of judging with our eyes. This is why we define invisible disability.

Join Invisible Disabilities Week: Will Badges for Invisible Disabilities Catch on in Japan and London?

Tests with various invisible disabilities pins and badges are not performing as well as people might hope in London and Japan when it comes to asking riders on the Tube and on buses to give up their seat for an individual with an invisible disability. But others are still hopeful that education might continue to improve the environment so that healthy riders would offer a seat to those who need one when they see a badge that says, “I have an invisible disability. Please offer me a seat if you are able and willing to do so. Thank you.” Are you testing anything similar in your community during your commute? If so, we would love to hear about your results.

Using the Invisible Disabilities IDW 2017 Identity Bundle badge holder is a good way to introduce yourself in your neighborhood grocery store and start a conversation about Invisible Disabilities. You can order the IDW 2017 Identity Bundle here but hurry because Invisible Disabilities Week is right around the corner.

Join Invisible Disabilities Week: How to Participate in Invisible Disabilities Week

• JOIN Invisible Disabilities Week’s Daily Activities on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
• SHARE with friends, family, medical teams and social media! Spread awareness and education about millions living with debilitating illness and injury, as well as support to those living with invisible disabilities.

Join Invisible Disabilities Week: How to Take Part in Activities for Invisible Disabilities Week

There are many free activities you can do during Invisible Disabilities Week to get involved. You can see them all here. If you do decide to make any purchases on the IDA website during this time, remember your activities and purchases are optional and help continue the organization’s outreach of awareness, education and support around the world. But none of these are necessary to participate.

Join Invisible Disabilities Week: How to Support the Invisible Disabilities Association

Your donations and proceeds help the Invisible Disabilities Association continue its outreach of awareness, education, connection, resources and support around the world through its websites, television and radio interviews, videos, special projects, books, pamphlets, seminars, award nights, symposiums, social media, online communities and more! Find out more how you can support IDA here.