Living with an invisible disability can be confusing and misunderstood. Conditions like chronic pain, mental health issues, or autoimmune disorders might not be obvious to others, which can lead to doubt and fewer accommodations. This week, we'll explore the everyday challenges of living with an invisible disability and why awareness and support are so important.
What is an Invisible Disability?
When people think about disabilities, they often picture visible conditions—wheelchairs, canes, or prosthetics. But many disabilities are called "invisible", meaning they aren’t immediately apparent to others. These can include chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, neurological disorders, and sensory impairments.
The YouTube video, "What is an Invisible Disability", from Visually Impaired Designer, aims to raise awareness about invisible disabilities. It discusses various examples of such disabilities, including chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and neurological conditions. The video emphasizes the challenges individuals with invisible disabilities face.
Acknowledging Invisible Disabilities
The article highlights that people with invisible disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and have the right to request reasonable accommodations. However, they often face unfair treatment due to a lack of understanding from others. It emphasizes the need for greater awareness and improved accessibility so that everyone, regardless of their disability, can fully participate in society.
You can read the article here: https://perkinsaccess.org/inclusion-accessibility-and-the-importance-of-acknowledging-invisible-disabilities/
Featuring...
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit group that helps people build and fix homes they can afford. It started in 1976 and works in many countries. Volunteers, donors, and families work together to build houses, and the future homeowners help with the work. This is called "sweat equity." The group also speaks up for better housing laws and works to make communities stronger by providing safe and decent homes.
Learn more from Habit For Humanity's webpage: https://bit.ly/4i5xjNb
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Empower Tomorrow: Youth Advocacy Summit 2025
This FREE conference will focus on Leadership Advocacy Skills: Understanding School to Adult Life Transition and Healthcare/ Wellness Goals
Join us in person to learn strategies and resources from SPAN!
There will be a variety of Exhibitors providing resources.
***PLEASE READ***
Parents and caregivers (who can attend separate tracks) must accompany the conference with their young adult/youth. SPAN does not provide support to individuals, but they are welcome to provide their support person.
***DISCLAIMER***
No youth/young adults can be left unattended or dropped off at the event at any time.
Contact Nicole Pratt at npratt@spanadvocacy.org for any questions.
Date and Time: Saturday, April 26 · 8:30am - 3pm EDT
Location: Mercer County College Conference Center
1200 Old Trenton Road West Windsor Township, NJ 08550
Register To Attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empower-tomorrow-youth-advocacy-summit-2025-tickets-1236331644229?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
The SPAN Youth Chat
Join us virtually on May 7th from 4:15 to 5:00 PM with the SPAN Youth Engagement Team on a topic about advocacy and youth empowerment. More details to come.
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Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.
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