By Hasaan Hawthorne, NCHPAD Program Manager
Not every disability is visible. Some disabilities are invisible, and the challenges individuals experience from day to day may not be apparent to others. From the outside, someone may appear completely fine while you are out in public, yet they could be living with an invisible disability that affects their everyday life in ways others cannot see.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for a person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world around them [1]. People may have a visual, movement, thinking, learning, or mental health disability. An invisible disability is a physical, mental, neurological, or emotional impairment that is not readily apparent from the outside and may limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, activities, or daily life. The Invisible Disability Project describes invisible, non-visible, hidden, non-apparent, or unseen disabilities as impairments that go largely unnoticed by others [2].
About 10% of Americans have a medical condition that could be considered an invisible disability, and approximately 96% of people with a chronic medical condition live with a condition that may not be readily apparent to others [3].
Invisible disabilities can include conditions such as lupus, chronic fatigue disorders, and muscular dystrophy, which may involve symptoms or flare-ups that vary from day to day. Mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, can also be considered invisible disabilities. These conditions can significantly affect a person’s daily life and well-being, even when others may not recognize the challenges they are experiencing.
What someone is experiencing because of an invisible disability can easily be misunderstood by people who may not understand what they are going through. Someone living with an invisible disability may appear tired, distracted, or “checked out,” when in reality they may be privately managing symptoms or challenges that others cannot see. Because these disabilities are not always apparent, they can also be accompanied by stigma, disbelief, and judgment from others.
As a double amputee, my disability is visible. People can see that I do not have my legs and may more readily understand why I need certain accommodations. For example, if I park in an accessible parking space and get out of my vehicle, people can see my physical disability and understand why I am using that space. However, when someone with an invisible disability uses an accessible parking space, others may question why they are parked there or assume they do not have a disability. This can lead to unnecessary judgment and reinforce the stigma surrounding invisible disabilities.
It is not always easy for someone with an invisible disability to access or request accommodations in the same way as someone with a visible disability. Others may not understand why a person is requesting an accommodation if their disability does not “look” apparent. This can create additional stigma and may cause individuals to hesitate before speaking up about their disability or asking for the support they need because they are unsure how others will respond.
One of the best ways to address the stigma surrounding invisible disabilities is to create an environment where people feel believed, respected, and supported when they choose to disclose their disability. How we respond can make a significant difference in whether someone feels comfortable asking for accommodations or support.
How to Approach Stigma Around Invisible Disabilities:
- Believe the person. If someone discloses that they have an invisible disability, believe them and respect what they are sharing. They should not have to prove that their disability is real.
- Use inclusive and respectful language. Be mindful of the language you use when talking about disability and avoid making assumptions about someone’s abilities or needs.
- Ask how you can help (when appropriate). Instead of assuming what someone needs, ask, “What do you need?” or “How can I support you?” This allows the individual to communicate what would be most helpful.
- Respect privacy. Be mindful of who is around when checking in with someone. A question such as, “Oh my goodness, are you okay?” may unintentionally draw attention to the person or their disability, especially if they do not want to discuss what they are experiencing in front of others.
- Support accommodations. Recognize that accommodations can be important for people with invisible disabilities, even when their disability is not immediately apparent.
- Avoid assumptions and judgment. Just because you cannot see a disability does not mean it is not present. Give people the same respect and consideration you would give someone with a visible disability.
One common language that everyone can understand is going through some type of hardship. Be kind to people because you may never know what they are going through. Whether it is an invisible disability or a visible disability, each person and their abilities are different. Create safe environments for people to disclose their disabilities to you. As the old saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Someone’s appearance is not their full story, and it does not define them. What we see on the outside does not always tell us what someone is experiencing on the inside.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Disability and health overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/about/index.html
- Invisible Disability Project. (n.d.). Invisible disabilities defined. https://www.invisibledisabilityproject.org/
- Disabled World. (2026, July 29). Invisible disabilities: List, types, and definition. https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/invisible/