Look closely at this image, What do you see? Albert Einstein. Now walk a few feet away, Can you see Marilyn Monroe?
A story of two images, what do you initially see? An old couple or a Mexican playing a guitar?
How about this one? A haggered old women or a Fair lady?
The point is...Just because you can't see something it does not mean it isn't there.
You can't see the future - yet you know it will come. You can't see the air, yet you continue to breathe and you can't see you dreams, but you continue to fight for them.
- Claire London
It is similar to hidden disabilities - although you can't see them they still lie beneath.
In Today's world, people often assume that only those who have a visible or obvious disability are disabled but in actual fact people who have an obvious disability are actually in the minority.
'Hidden disability' is a catch-all phrase that simply means that a person's impairment or condition is not obviously apparent or visible (For example, M.E., Cystic Fibrosis, Hearing impairment) but just because their hidden disability is not apparent it does not mean it doesn't considerably affect their 24/7 life.
For example, with M.E. a person is likely to have periods where they are considerably better than others, where they may have a relapse. It is often easy to overlook someone with M.E. at times because it is not apparent that the person has it - however, just because you don't/can't see the symptoms, side effects or impacts it does not mean there aren't any. Equally, it does not mean that two people with the same condition are the same:
'Hidden disability' is a catch-all phrase that simply means that a person's impairment or condition is not obviously apparent or visible (For example, M.E., Cystic Fibrosis, Hearing impairment) but just because their hidden disability is not apparent it does not mean it doesn't considerably affect their 24/7 life.
For example, with M.E. a person is likely to have periods where they are considerably better than others, where they may have a relapse. It is often easy to overlook someone with M.E. at times because it is not apparent that the person has it - however, just because you don't/can't see the symptoms, side effects or impacts it does not mean there aren't any. Equally, it does not mean that two people with the same condition are the same:
"Hidden disability is like a Marks and Spencer jumper, everyone wears it differently and it fits some better than others".
So, Just because a person doesn't go around blabbing that they have this, that or the other - doesn't mean it is not there. Often people misunderstand the person, and disbelieve the impact it has on their lives. For example, if a person with a hidden disability were to apply for funding to help them meet their needs - just because you can't see their disability, it doesn't mean that they do not deserve the help.
It is difficult because with a hidden disability people cannot see what lies beneath - they do not follow you around 24/7 (or so I hope!?) and so people are not open due to the fear of discrimination - meaning others do not always understand. Nevertheless, for the individual, support and understanding from others is fundamental.
It is difficult because with a hidden disability people cannot see what lies beneath - they do not follow you around 24/7 (or so I hope!?) and so people are not open due to the fear of discrimination - meaning others do not always understand. Nevertheless, for the individual, support and understanding from others is fundamental.
So for Family, Friends, Colleagues and Teachers.. Don't judge a person before you've walked a mile in their shoes.
Listen. Understand. Believe.
Listen. Understand. Believe.
