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Understanding Invisible Disability

CPDTime.
3m

Published: 25 May 2021

When we think of disability, the first symbol to come to mind for many of us will be a blue figure using a wheelchair - an image otherwise known as the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) (RI Global 2016).

Adopted as an international standardised symbol to indicate wheelchair-accessible environments, the ISA is now often used in a variety of settings to indicate a whole range of accessibility and disability-related issues.

Where the ISA arguably fails, however, is in its representation of the broader disability community. For instance, among the 4.4 million Australians living with disability, more than 90% don’t look like the ISA at all (AIHW 2020; Leedon 2015).

inivisble disability international symbol of disability
Does the International Symbol of Accessibility properly represent the broader disability community?

What is Invisible Disability?

Sometimes, disability can be identified by the presence of aids such as wheelchairs, canes, hearing aids and glasses (Disabled World 2020).

However, this is not always the case.

Invisible disability (or hidden disability) is an umbrella term used to describe disabilities that are not immediately noticeable when looking at someone. The term applies to a wide spectrum of conditions including physical, mental and neurological disorders that impair daily functioning (IDA 2019).

Invisible disabilities include conditions such as chronic pain or illness, mental illness, injury and congenital disorders (Disabled World 2020).

It’s estimated that 9 out of 10 Australian people living with disabilities have conditions that are invisible (Leedon 2015).

Despite not being immediately obvious to others, invisible disabilities can cause significant daily challenges such as pain, exhaustion and social isolation (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme 2020).

Because of their hidden nature, invisible disabilities can go unacknowledged, leading to a lack of sympathy and understanding within society (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme 2020).

invisible disability aid guide dog cane
Sometimes, disability can be identified by the presence of aids such as canes or service dogs.

List of Invisible Disabilities

The following list covers some of the many invisible disabilities. Many of these conditions have their own Ausmed articles where you can find more information.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list.

(Disabled World 2020)

Caring for People Living With Invisible Disability

As stated by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Practice Standards (2020), people caring for those living with disabilities have a responsibility to provide care that:

  • Is person-centred
  • Treats clients with dignity and respect
  • Supports clients’ individual values, beliefs, culture and diversity
  • Protects clients’ privacy
  • Allows independence and informed decision-making
  • Is free from violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

With this in mind, the following practical tips may help you to care for people living with invisible disability:

General considerations
  • If you know that a patient is living with an invisible disability, ask them what they can and cannot do
  • Never force or convince someone to do something that they say they are unable to do
  • Encourage patients living with invisible disabilities to participate in activities at a level they are comfortable with and ask how you can support them to participate
  • Only offer assistance if the patient wants it, and if they do, ask what they want you to do specifically
  • Speak directly to the patient, not to those around them
  • Smile and be willing to communicate
  • Avoid handshakes as a default greeting
  • Never distract service dogs
Patients living with auditory impairments
  • Let the patient establish their preferred method of communication (sign language, lip-reading, note writing etc.)
  • Talk to the patient directly, even if they have an interpreter
  • If the patient reads lips, face them directly when speaking. Speak clearly and at a moderate speed
  • Avoid finishing the patient’s sentences for them
  • Be patient and pay attention while the patient is speaking
  • Ask the patient to repeat what they have said if you do not understand
  • Be prepared to communicate via computer, pen and paper, or an alphabet board if required
Patients living with visual impairments
  • Excuse yourself before leaving the patient
  • If guiding the patient, let them take your arm and walk slightly ahead of you
  • Never pull or push the patient along
  • Be specific when describing nearby objects
Patients living with cognitive impairments
  • Keep communication simple
  • Rephrase statements if required
  • Pay attention to what the patient is saying and how they respond to you
  • Be patient and give the patient time to show or tell you what they want to communicate

(Disabled World 2012)

Conclusion

invisible disability caring for patients

In your professional life, you are likely to interact with many people living with invisible disabilities. Therefore, it is important to avoid making assumptions and always treat your patients with respect.

Even if you can’t visibly see the challenges your patients face, acknowledge and understand their experiences as best you can.

Additionally, remember that disabilities affect people in different ways, and for that reason, it is important to always provide individualised and person-centred care.

Additional Resources


References

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 of 3

True or false: A client living with an invisible disability should receive the same level of care and support as a client living with a visible disability.

Author

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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.