"You Don't Look Sick": The Importance of Invisible Disability Week

"You Don't Look Sick": The Importance of Invisible Disability Week

Author: Ashling Tourigny

Introduction

Invisible Disabilities Week takes place October 19-25, 2025. It is an international campaign that shines light on conditions that may not necessarily be seen, but deeply impact daily life, relationships, and opportunities. This week was created by the Invisible Disabilities Association in 2014. Twelve years later, it continues its powerful mission to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and create more inclusive communities for those living with invisible conditions.

What Are Invisible Disabilities

It is important that we recognize that not all disabilities are visible. Invisible disabilities include physical, mental, or neurological conditions that are not immediately apparent but can still significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. It is estimated that 80-96% of people with disabilities have invisible conditions. The scope of invisible disabilities is far more extensive than many individuals realize. In Canada, 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older have reported to have at least one disability as of 2022. These statistics are crucial for encouraging us to be more mindful as you never know who may be experiencing something that is affecting their day-to-day life.

Some Examples of Invisible Disabilities Include:

  • Chronic Health Conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, lupus, Crohn's disease)

  • Neurological Conditions (e.g., epilepsy, migraines, traumatic brain injuries)

  • Mental Health Conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD)

  • Neurodevelopmental Conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD)

  • Sensory Impairments (e.g., hearing or vision loss without visible aids)

History of Invisible Disability Week

The concept of invisible disabilities was created by Sherri Connell in the 1990s when she was struggling to explain her multiple sclerosis and chronic Lyme disease to friends and family. Her husband Wayne Connell, founded the Invisible Disabilities Association (originally called the Invisible Disabilities Advocate) in 1996. He posted Sherri's writings online and discovered that hundreds of thousands of people worldwide struggled with similar invisible conditions. Invisible Disabilities Week was then founded in 2014 by the Invisible Disabilities Association.

Breaking Down Misconceptions

Despite their prevalence, invisible disabilities can be very misunderstood. Commonly, those with invisible disabilities may hear phrases such as

  • "You don't look sick"

  • "If symptoms aren't constant, it can't be real"

  • "Young people can't be disabled"

These are harmful assumptions that add to stigma, can discourage people from seeking help, and create barriers to inclusion. It is important to be mindful and remember that symptoms do not need to be visual to impact an individual. Furthermore, many invisible disabilities may be episodic, meaning that symptoms fluctuate in whether or not they are presenting. Additionally, invisible disabilities affect all people, this includes people of all ages. People with invisible disabilities often face social stigma. This can include internalized shame which causes the individual to feel guilty and question whether their conditions are "real" enough.

There can be significant social strain developed from the burden of trying to prove oneself, which can lead to social isolation. The misconceptions about invisible disabilities also often leads to systemic discrimination. This leads to exclusionary policies and a lack of proper support systems.

Challenges People Face

Living with an invisible disability may bring a number of barriers in the workplace, in schools and in our healthcare systems. Let's explore some of the obstacles those with invisible disabilities may face:

Workplace Challenges

Due to the fact that conditions aren't outwardly visible, individuals with invisible disabilities are often met with skepticism or disbelief, leading some coworkers or employers to assume they are exaggerating or "faking" it. This makes disclosure a difficult decision, many workers worry about being judged, treated differently, or their job security. On top of that, accessing workplace accommodations may be harder for those with invisible conditions. The fear of losing respect, being isolated, or missing out on opportunities for growth often leaves employees feeling like they should hide their disability rather than seek out the support they need and deserve.

Educational Challenges

Students with invisible disabilities often encounter barriers in school that go unnoticed. Once again, many are hesitant to disclose their conditions because of stigma or fear of being treated differently. Those who do ask for help are typically misunderstood leading to a lack of proper accommodations. These collectively have a toll on students' academic success.

Healthcare Challenges

The healthcare system can be especially challenging for people with invisible disabilities. Many patients feel as though their conditions are not fully understood by providers, making it harder to receive the right care. Communication is another obstacle, as many doctors actually receive little to no training on how to effectively treat patients with disabilities. Further, invisible conditions can be difficult to diagnose, with a lack of clear tests or symptoms, people may experience long delays before getting answers. These obstacles leave patients feeling dismissed, misunderstood, and without support.

The Importance of Awareness and Actions

Recognizing invisible disabilities provides benefits for everyone involved. In the workplace, accommodations may help to improve retention and productivity. In healthcare, better understanding can lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment. In school, disclosure and flexible learning environments will help students be successful. In society and communities, it is important to recognize how inclusion can build strong and more compassionate societies.

How to Get Involved

As an individual:

  • Learn about different conditions and educate yourself

  • Use respectful language (e.g., person-first or disorder-first language, depending on the preference of the individual)

  • Share accurate information and resources on social media

In schools

  • Create safe pathways for students to request accommodations

  • Offer staff training on invisible disabilities

  • Apply Universal Design for Learning

In workplaces

  • Provide flexible work hours and quiet spaces when possible

  • Review policies to include invisible disabilities

  • Train management on disability awareness and accommodations

In the community

  • Advocate for accessible spaces and services

  • Amplify the voices that can't be heard

Resources and Support

If you or someone you know is living with an invisible disability, there is support available:

The Invisible Disability Association

  • Invisible Disabilities Association Community (IDAC)

    • Hosts online communities that connections patients, families, friends, and caregivers for support and inspiration

  • Programs4People

    • Provides links to a number of resources, programs, and services from private, non-profit, and government agencies for people living with debilitating conditions

Crisis Lines and Helplines

  • Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566)

  • Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)

YMHC Resources

  • Mental Health Workbooks

    • Designed to support individuals with understanding various concepts including disabilities. These workbooks contain coping strategies, ways to manage challenges, etc. These workbooks are evidence-based and available in multiple formats.

  • YMHC Youth Wellness Action Plan (YWAP)

    • This Youth Wellness Action Plan is an online certification program that equips educators, mental health professionals, caregivers, and community members with evidence-based strategies to recognize, support, and strengthen youth mental health through personalized wellness action planning and proactive approaches to awareness, support, action, and prevention.

  • Heart-to-Heart Campaign

    • Need a heart full of hope and support? Request a handmade heart accompanied by a message of support from our dedicated volunteers. Let us send you a symbol of community love and care.

  • Merch

    • Our variety of products can make your support visible. We have t-shirts, sweaters, cups, notebooks, stuffed animals, and more! You can select products with the YMHC logo, animal, puns, Ever Child Matters, or even customize your own product.

Awareness to Action

Invisible Disabilities Week can remind us that disability is a part of human diversity. When we remove barriers and challenge stigma, we create more supportive environments for all people.

Commit to:

  • Listening with empathy

  • Advocating for inclusion in our schools, workplaces, and communities

  • Sharing resources that make invisible disabilities, visible

Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, together we can build a community that makes that possible.

References

Connell, W. (2012). Invisible No More. Invisible Disabilities Association. https://invisibledisabilities.org/invisible-no-more/invisible-no-more/

Disabled World. (2014). Invisible disabilities: List and general information. https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/invisible/

Invisible Disabilities Association. (2025). Invisible Disabilities Week 2025 October 19-25. https://invisibledisabilities.org/seminarsandevents/invisible-disabilities-week/

Statistics Canada. (2023). New data on disability in Canada, 2022. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2023063-eng.htm

Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Invisible disability. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_disability

Youth Mental Health Canada. (2024). 2024 Invisible Disability Awareness Week: Bringing awareness, education and support. https://ymhc.ngo/blogs/news/invisible-disability-awareness-week-bringing-awareness-education-and-support

 

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