making invisible disabilities visible

When we talk about disabilities, most people immediately think of visible impairments: a person using a wheelchair, someone with a guide dog, or an individual wearing a prosthetic.

However, what remains largely misunderstood and often overlooked are invisible disabilities due to accidents, chronic diseases and aging. These lead to disabilities of many types that are not readily apparent yet deeply impactful to those who live with them.

Invisible Disabilities Week is happening now, but this topic deserves more than just a day, week, or month of attention. It’s something that should be top of mind for everyone all the time.

Conditions like fibromyalgia, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and autism can profoundly affect daily life. Yet, because those living with these challenges often appear outwardly “normal,” they may face stigma, skepticism, or outright disbelief. This is why talking about invisible disabilities on a regular basis is so important, because it shines a much-needed light on the experiences of millions of individuals whose struggles are unseen but very real.

Imagine walking into your workplace, and despite feeling overwhelming pain, anxiety, or fatigue, you appear perfectly fine to your colleagues. This is the reality for those with invisible disabilities. Many push themselves through immense discomfort daily because the

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expectation is that if they look okay, they must be okay. This expectation can result in an added burden: the pressure to constantly justify their needs, accommodations or health conditions.

Those living with invisible disabilities often face unique challenges in accessing care, securing workplace accommodations, and receiving understanding from family and friends. Too often they are dismissed, hearing phrases such as “but you don’t look sick,” or “maybe it’s all in your head,” reflecting a deep-seated societal misunderstanding.

One of the most pressing areas where awareness of invisible disabilities needs to improve is in the workplace.

According to the CDC, one in four adults in the U.S. live with a disability, and a significant portion of those have conditions that aren’t immediately visible.

Accommodations, like flexible schedules, remote work or even a quiet workspace, can make a significant difference for employees with chronic illnesses or neurodivergent conditions. Yet, these needs are often overlooked because they’re not as obvious as wheelchair ramps or accessible restrooms.

Employers must take proactive steps to ensure that their policies and environments are inclusive of everyone, visible or not. This starts with creating a culture of trust and understanding—one where individuals feel safe disclosing their conditions without fear of being penalized or judged.

Mental Health: An Often-Overlooked Invisible Disability

Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are among the most common invisible disabilities. Despite growing awareness, the stigma surrounding mental illness remains pervasive.

Far too many people suffer in silence, afraid of being labeled as “unstable” or incapable of managing their responsibilities.

Mental health should be treated with the same seriousness and respect as physical health. However, many workplaces, schools and even medical professionals still struggle to provide the proper support for those with mental health disabilities.

This is especially concerning as the demand for mental health services continues to rise.

More Education and Empathy

The first step toward change is awareness. Observances like Invisible Disabilities Week provides a platform for people to share their stories and bring attention to the often-misunderstood challenges they face. But awareness isn’t enough—we need action.

Empathy and education are key. Schools should incorporate lessons about invisible disabilities in their curriculums, teaching young people to understand and respect that not all disabilities are visible.

Medical professionals need training to better recognize and diagnose conditions that can’t be seen with the naked eye. And as a society, we need to truly listen to the experiences of those living with these conditions.

Making the Invisible Visible

Invisible Disabilities Week serves as a reminder that we have a responsibility to create a world where everyone feels seen and supported.

Whether it’s in the workplace, in healthcare, or in our everyday interactions, we must ensure that invisible disabilities are no longer invisible in how we treat and accommodate people. Similarly, as the world becomes increasingly digital, it’s imperative that all companies focus on digital accessibility to assist those with disabilities navigate the online world.

By fostering empathy and understanding, we can build a more inclusive society— one where individuals don’t have to struggle in the shadows but are empowered to live full, authentic lives without judgment.

Because, at the end of the day, disability doesn’t need to be visible to be valid.

Mark Pound is the founder and CEO of CurbCutOS, a digital accessibility firm founded by people with disabilities.