invisible disability
Last updatedDefinition
The term “invisible disability” is usually meant to include any disability where a person does not have or use obvious markers of disability (such as a wheelchair or other assistive device). Although commonly used, this is not a precise term or medical description. Because what’s visible or invisible depends on the person who is looking, there is no set definition or list of invisible disabilities — by some estimates, as many as 10 percent of people in the US have what could be considered an invisible disability.
Given that a disability is not defined by appearances or the use of assistive devices, unless it is intrinsic to a story or matches how someone self-identifies, saying “disability” covers any and all disabilities, including seemingly invisible ones. Describing someone as invisibly disabled when they have not expressed this as their preference can be seen as prioritizing others’ perception of them over their experience.
Although the term may be imprecise, a person whose disability or chronic illness is not readily apparent may face additional stigma because of this. For example, a person with a mental health disability may not be aware they can request workplace accommodations, and an employer may not be aware that such disabilities are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Similarly, a person with nerve damage, but with the ability to walk without assistance, may be reluctant to use other accommodations (such as seating for people with disabilities on public transportation) because of how people may react. Whether or not the term is used, it’s important to keep these stigmas in mind when trying to understand a person’s experience.
Additional resources
- Words Matter (Invisible Disability Project)
- Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)
Summary
“Invisible disability” usually refers to a disability that is not readily apparent to an outside observer. Unless mentioning an invisible disability is intrinsic to a story or matches how someone self-identifies, saying “disability” covers any and all disabilities, including seemingly invisible ones. Describing someone as invisibly disabled when they have not expressed this as their preference can be seen as prioritizing others’ perception of them over their experience.