![]() Therefore, a disability cannot be determined solely by whether or not a person uses assistive equipment. In other words, 74% of Americans who live with a severe disability do not use such devices. On the contrary, the 1994-1995 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) found that 26 million Americans (almost 1 in 10) have a severe disability, while only 1.8 million used a wheelchair and 5.2 million used a cane, crutches or walker (Americans with Disabilities 94-95). ![]() Often people think the term, disability, only refers to people using a wheelchair or walker. Defining invisible disability can open doors of communication and understanding. Given this basic knowledge, it is easy to see how work to define invisible disability is both critical to helping so many who are overlooked but also daunting in scope. Others are unable to maintain gainful or substantial employment due to their disability, have trouble with daily living activities and need assistance with their care.Īccording to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) an individual with a disability is a person who: Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment (Disability Discrimination).įurthermore, “A person is considered to have a disability if he or she has difficulty performing certain functions (seeing, hearing, talking, walking, climbing stairs and lifting and carrying), or has difficulty performing activities of daily living, or has difficulty with certain social roles (doing school work for children, working at a job and around the house for adults)” (Disabilities Affect One-Fifth of All Americans). Some with disabilities can work full or part-time, but struggle to get through their day, with little or no energy for other things. Many living with these challenges are still fully active in their work, families, sports or hobbies. When we define invisible disability, it helps us understand the subtle differences and challenges each person experiences in their daily lives.Īlso, just because a person has a disability, does not mean they are disabled. Either way, this term should not be used to describe a person as weaker or lesser than anyone else! Every person has a purpose, uniqueness, and value, no matter what hurdles they may face. This challenge could be a well-managed bump in life or a mountain that creates severe changes and loss. In general, the term disability is often used to describe an ongoing physical or mental challenge. I wonder if that driver has an invisible disability. People are parking in an accessible parking space with a placard, but they look fine. ![]() Unfortunately, the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments. In simple terms, an invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities. People often ask us to define invisible disability.
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