Over 1 Billion People Live With an Invisible Disability—It’s Time To See the Unseen

Invisible Disabilities Week is here, and it’s time to bring attention to the people living with invisible disabilities worldwide. We need to see the unseen and hear the voices of millions of people who have been left out of the conversation for too long. People living with invisible disabilities face daily challenges compounded by modern environments and policies that cater only to visible disabilities.

Unlike visible conditions, invisible disabilities, such as ADHD, autism, migraines and other chronic illnesses, are often hidden, but the impacts can be just as debilitating. Yet, current policies and building standards rarely address our needs. We are often left to struggle in silence, dismissed simply because we ‘look fine.’ It’s time for change. We need environments that acknowledge and include us all!

With my invisible disability, vestibular migraines, overstimulating environments or simply a person walking past with synthetic perfume on can lead to symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, nausea, blurry vision, and severe headaches that can last for hours or even days.