Is Every Disability Visible? No.

Image designed by author, and posted on Flickr.

If you think every disability is visible, think again. Please read more.

Prologue

When you think about disabilities, the obvious (and thus visible) ones come to mind quickest. You might not be aware that some disabilities are not visible. The blog post also includes a brief overview of how invisibly disabled youth can thrive at school, as well as the author's life with invisible disabilities. Throughout the blog post, you will be learning about that type of disability. (Please read the "Disclaimer" section at the end of this post before going any further.)

Invisible Disabilities 101

According to the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), an "invisible disability" is defined as "a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside." However, said problem(s) has/have the potential to "limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities." In an article for Understood, Peg Rosen enumerates several "examples of invisible disabilities" (some of which are listed below).

• "Autism Spectrum Disorder" (Rosen);
• "Depression" (Rosen);
• "ADHD" (Rosen);
• "Dyslexia" (Rosen);

Education with Invisible Disabilities

Obviously, invisibly disabled children, tweens, and teenagers attend school. Brenda Álvarez reports for the U.S. National Education Association (NEA) that invisible disabilities "affect students and educators more than you may think." According to Edutopia, students with visible and/or invisible disabilities need accommodations to help them succeed. For example, they might need additional time to take a quiz, test, or exam. Youth with learning, mental, and/or physical disabilities generally have Individual Education Plans (IEP).

Synopsis of My Life with Invisible Disabilities

The author of this post has multiple disabilities that people cannot see. I mention in a January 2017 blog post that having multiple disabilities has not prevented me from being "successful." For example, I overcame spina bifida and autism to achieve excellent grades in high school and college. Of course, that is the definition of overcoming adversity. Speaking of overcoming adversity, that will be the subject of the next paragraph.

In June 2017, I published a blog post about overcoming. The post mentions that "overcoming adversity is [usually] easier said than done." Moreover, an obstacle is never too hard to get past. The post also includes several inspirational self-designed images. The post even mentions some of the activities and accomplishments I have done.

Epilogue

As you read, some forms of disability are not obvious. You also got a brief insight into the author's life with invisible disabilities. Remember, people with invisible disabilities can thrive in both their education and life. (Please read the "Disclaimer" section.)

Disclaimer

The author and GAM Productions are presenting the information herein solely for informational purposes. This blog post does not serve as a substitute for consultation, advice, or treatment that involve a healthcare professional. The parties mentioned above shall not be held responsible for any injury or injuries that may affect the reader of this post. Neither GAM Productions or the author is considered a healthcare professional or provider.

Furthermore, GAM Productions is not an educational institution or law firm. The organization's owner does not work in the legal profession. This blog post is not legal advice, so you need a licensed practitioner of law for this purpose.

GAM Productions is a fictional organization.

Bibliography

Álvarez, Brenda. "What To Know About Invisible Disabilities." NEA,

National Education Association, 18 Aug. 2021, www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/what-know-about-invisible-disabilities. Accessed 03 Feb. 2022.

"Invisible disability." Invisible Disabilities Association, 1996-2021,

invisibledisabilities.org/what-is-an-invisible-disability/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.

Morton, G.A. [Gregory Morton]. "My Brilliant Story of Overcoming [Article]."

Unplug Your Mind Through Creativity, WordPress, 15 June 2017, howtoshedstress.wordpress.com/2017/06/15/my-brilliant-story-overcoming/. Accessed 11 Dec. 2021.

---. "My Self-Reflection." Unplug Your Mind Through Creativity, WordPress,

12 Jan. 2017, howtoshedstress.wordpress.com/2017/01/12/self-reflection/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.

 Rosen, Peg. "Understanding invisible disabilities in the workplace." Understood,

Understood For All Inc., 2014-2020, www.understood.org/articles/en/understanding-invisible-disabilities-in-the-workplace. Accessed 28 Nov. 2021.

Scott, Robyn. "Understanding Invisible Disabilities." Edutopia,

George Lucas Educational Foundation, 18 Mar. 2015, www.edutopia.org/blog/understanding-invisible-disabilities-robyn-scott. Accessed 03 Feb. 2022.

Watson, Sue. "IEP - Individual Education Program." ThoughtCo, Dotdash, 03 July 2019,

www.thoughtco.com/iep-individual-education-program-3111299. Accessed 24 Feb. 2021.