IDA blog makes top 10 thanks to the compassion and insight of Invisible Disabilities Association blogger Wayne Connell, founder of IDA, who is a regular contributor on Disability.blog by Disability.gov. The announcement that IDA made the “Top 10 Guest Blogs of 2013” on Disability.Blog by Disability.Gov brings joy to the entire team. We are thrilled to receive this recognition for building awareness and educating others about invisible disabilities!
Wayne started writing as a commitment to help others better understand his wife’s challenges with Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease, and Traumatic Brain Injury. This first-hand experience opened his eyes to a far-reaching need and led to the Invisible Disabilities Association.
Shared Experience Leads to Invisible Disabilities Association and IDA Blog Makes Top 10
The Invisible Disabilities Advocate launched online in 1996 as Wayne’s communication with loved ones about what his wife was experiencing. Much to his surprise, messages poured in from people around the world. They were thankful to him and IDA for putting into words what they’d been trying to say to loved ones. Individuals seeking forgiveness for judgmental attitudes sent countless heartfelt messages. There were also stories of mended relationships between spouses, parents, siblings, and friends through the articles the website provided.
Today IDA encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain, and disability around the world. The delivery of this critical mission has led to hundreds of thousands of people finding community, support, and advocacy.
Wayne runs IDA as a full-time volunteer while also working a full-time job and being a full-time caregiver. He builds awareness, education, and support through websites, books, pamphlets, articles, radio and television interviews, events, programs, and resources. He has launched several programs and campaigns. These include Awards Galas, Invisible No More, Invisible Disabilities Week, Brain Symposiums, Cleaner Indoor Air and Invisible Heroes.
Articles and Book Help Fulfill IDA Mission to Support and Educate
The IDA founder is also an author and speaker at conferences, seminars and for various companies. He has been a special guest on dozens of radio and television programs, regularly publishes advocacy articles online, in magazines and newspapers, blogs for IDA and Disability.gov. Wayne, with his wife Sherri, is the co-author of the book, “But You LOOK Good!,” with many sent all over the world to help friends and family better understand chronic illness and pain, as well as how to be a source of support to their loved one.
Thank you to all of our guest Co-authors and readers who have commented and liked our blogs, showing your support for what IDA is doing!
The IDA Team