44 DIVERSEability Magazine www.diverseabilitymagazine.com
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
T
hroughout the day, the majority of people are glued to screens - whether its their work computer, social media apps or their TV. Our culture is obsessed with consuming infor- mation visually. That can be a real problem when it comes to invisible disabilities. What do we mean by that? An increasing number of people live with disabilities that other people cant tell they have just by look- ing at them. For example, someone may look young, healthy and happy, but experience chronic pain, exhaustion and inconvenience from living with Crohns Disease. An equally able-bodied-looking person might be strug- gling to overcome anxiety and panic attacks that periodically prevent them from participat- ing in public activities. Many of these people
Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Those With Invisible Disabilities
By Haleigh Duncan
do not use wheelchairs or walking canes that would visually signal to us that they have a disability; instead, their disabilities are hid- den, or invisible. Here are five things you can do for people with invisible disabilities in the workplace - whether youre a boss or a co-worker:
1
Never assume someone is 'able-bodied' - and definitely don't insist that they are.
It doesnt matter how young or tall or mus- cular someone looks - anyone may have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, neurological divergence or other inhibiting symptoms. Re- member that even if someone looks happy or calm at work, people with invisible disabilities strive to maintain a persona of professional- ism even when they may be experiencing pain or discomfort. They do not usually cry, scream or grimace because they have prac- ticed pain management and pain tolerance - not because they dont experience physical or mental distress.
2
Understand that accommodations are a necessity, not a privilege.
People with disabilities, invisible or other- wise, are protected under federal law. When someone with a disability requests accom- modation, some people may feel like the ac- commodated person has received an unearned advantage. Asking for and using accommo-
His first football season, Isaiah told us, 'Wear a jersey with my name on it. I want everyone to know you're here for me.'
Darnell and Denna, adopted 16-year-old Isaiah
YOU C AN ' T IM AGINE THE REWARD L E A R N A B O U T A D O P T I N G A T E E N
A D O P T U S K I D S . O R G
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