A disability is a physical or mental impairment that limits normal activities of daily living in a significant way. Estimates range from 65% to 90% of people with disabilities have what are called “hidden” disabilities – those that aren’t obvious. Many disabilities fall into the invisible category: arthritis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, MS, fibromyalgia, and the list goes on and on. While you may not show it (or you may actually try to hide it), having a disability often makes everyday activities more difficult.
Hidden disabilities can be hard for other people to understand because there may be no clear sign to point to. A person may look fine and still be in pain, tired, confused, or overwhelmed. They may need to sit down, take a break, or change how they do a task. That can be true at home, at work, at school, or in the community. The challenge is real even when it cannot be seen.
Unfortunately, because people can’t see that you are disabled, they may believe you are weak, antisocial, or just lazy. Students may have disabilities that impair their thinking such as dyslexia, learning disabilities, or cognitive challenges. When teachers are unaware of these conditions, they may become frustrated with the student’s lack of progress and believe he or she is simply not trying hard enough.
This kind of misunderstanding can happen in many places. A person with a hidden disability may need extra time to answer a question, follow directions, or finish a task. If other people do not know this, they may jump to the wrong idea. They may think the person is not paying attention, does not care, or is being difficult. In truth, the person may be working very hard just to keep up.
Having a disability can also have a negative impact on self-esteem. In our society appearance is everything. There are some people with invisible disabilities that are delighted their condition is not readily apparent. They may realize that others don’t see them as having a legitimate condition, but they prefer that to being labeled disabled.
This is an important part of hidden disabilities too. Some people do not want to explain themselves over and over again. They may not want questions, stares, or unwanted advice. Others may feel pressure to “prove” their disability before they are believed. That can be tiring and hurtful. It can also make someone feel like they have to choose between privacy and being understood.
Sometimes a hidden disability can result in the inability to hear instructions or read or see written directions. While others respond quickly, those with hidden disabilities may have no idea of what’s happening around them. They may quickly be identified as having “problem” behaviors, or as being obstinate. People with back injuries may be unable to lift anything heavy or stand for longer than a few minutes at a time. They may be identified as being lazy and uncooperative rather than disabled.
These situations can cause real problems in everyday life. Imagine a person who cannot stand through a long line, or someone who misses part of a spoken instruction because of a hearing issue. From the outside, it may look like they are ignoring what is going on. But the problem may be access, not attitude. A small change, like writing instructions down, offering a chair, or giving a little more time, can make a big difference.
In order to not judge anyone too harshly, we should be careful we don’t assume that just because we cannot see someone’s disability it means they aren’t disabled. When you see people parking in accessible parking spots who do not look disabled, don’t get angry and shout at them. Instead, understand they may be disabled in a way that is not readily apparent.
This is a good place to pause and remember that access is not always visible. A parking permit, a service animal, a cane that is used sometimes and not others, or a person who seems to move well one day and struggle the next can all be signs of a hidden disability. Not every disability looks the same from day to day. Someone may need help one moment and want to do things on their own the next. Respecting that change is part of being fair.
We can’t always tell someone is disabled just by looking at them. Patience and understanding will go a long way in supporting those with hidden disabilities.
There are simple ways to show that patience and understanding in real life:
- Believe people when they say they have a disability, even if you cannot see it.
- Ask what kind of help would be useful, instead of guessing.
- Give extra time when someone needs it.
- Offer written directions or repeat instructions if needed.
- Do not shame people for using accessible parking or other supports.
- Remember that pain, fatigue, and confusion are not always visible.
These small actions can make school, work, and community spaces more welcoming. They can also help people feel safer speaking up about what they need. When people do not have to spend so much energy explaining themselves, they can focus more on living their lives.
For the person with a hidden disability, it can help to plan ahead. If you know certain tasks are hard, think about what support might help before you get to the point of stress. You may want to bring notes, set reminders, or ask for directions in writing. If standing is hard, look for a place to sit. If noise or crowds are hard, try to build in breaks. If you are a student, you may need to talk with teachers about what helps you learn best. If you work, it may help to speak up early about what you need to do your job well.
If you are not sure where to start, Disability Network Lakeshore can help. We work with people with disabilities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, and our services are free. We help people find and use disability resources, and we know that the right support can make daily life less complicated. You can call us at (616) 396-5326.
Our World still has barriers for people with disabilities.
Whether you're an individual or a company, searching for disability resources is discouraging and frustrating. And when you don't have the right tools, individuals and communities suffer. Wouldn't you like to live in an inclusive community where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong?
Hidden disabilities are part of why barriers can be hard to spot. If a problem is easy to see, people are more likely to notice it. But if the barrier is hidden inside a body or mind, others may not understand why access is needed. That is why clear information, flexible support, and respectful attitudes matter so much.
The right resources are hard to find. We get it.
We understand how it feels to struggle to fully participate in an inaccessible community, which is why we help people find and use disability resources.
Sometimes people need help connecting with the right service, the right form, or the right conversation. Sometimes they need someone to listen and take their concerns seriously. Sometimes they need support to ask for an accommodation at school, at work, or in another setting. That is part of what makes resource support so important. It can turn confusion into a plan.
If you are dealing with a hidden disability, or helping someone who is, do not be afraid to ask for help. You do not have to sort everything out alone. A good first step can be a phone call, a simple question, or a request for a meeting where you can explain what is going on. Clear words can prevent a lot of misunderstandings.
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