Breaking Down Barriers for those with Invisible Disabilities

WHEN it comes to physical impairments, you are more likely to be aware that a person has a disability, especially if they are using a wheelchair, an assistive device, or a hearing aid. This can make it easier to understand the challenges they face and find ways to support them. But the reality is that 80% of individuals living with a disability have an ‘invisible’ one, meaning that it is less obvious to the eye, cannot be spotted from the outside, and is more tricky to comprehend.

Here, we explore some of the most common hidden disabilities, highlighting what you can do to be more inclusive and how to offer people assistance.

According to Mind UK, one person in four is affected by mental health problems of some kind in England each year. Mental health conditions can include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Being available, calm, and patient, as well as giving them the reassurance they need are all steps you can take to mitigate the symptoms of those suffering from anxiety.

R N I N G Di S A B I L I T I E S

Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, are also invisible conditions that can have a significant impact on people’s everyday life. Someone affected by dyslexia, for instance, may have a harder time developing their reading and writing skills. Not only that, but they may also struggle with information processing and with remembering what they see and hear.

If you have a colleague who may take more time to read, write, and digest content at work, there are several actions you can take. Consider sticking to the same format for forms and paperwork, as it will make it easier for them to enter or find information. Also, ahead of meetings, provide your team member with the relevant documents and key points in advance.

N e u r o l o g i c a l c o n di t i o n s

Some neurological conditions can also be classed as invisible disabilities. This could be the case for illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, which may not be easy to spot at first from the outside.

One way you can help people with epilepsy is to check in with them and ask if they need any assistance or advice such as ensuring they are getting enough sleep at night. Sleep deprivation can be a significant seizure trigger, so it is crucial to enjoy as much quality rest as possible.

Chronic pain can be extremely debilitating and have a huge influence on somebody’s life. That said, it is not always easy to spot, meaning that people can live with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or serious back pain without anyone realising.

If you know someone with arthritis, there are simple, considerate things you can do to help. If you are out for a meal, something as quick and easy as opening a bottle or can could spare them from a challenging, painful activity.

H o w t o be m o r e i n c l u s i ve o n t h e w h o l e

What can you do to be more mindful of people who live with invisible disabilities? The truth is that you can never tell who has one for certain. So, we have put together a few tips to help you be more inclusive whether you’re aware of someone’s hidden condition or not:

• D o n ’t e x pe c t p e o p l e t o r e ve a l o r p r o v e t h e i r di s a bi l i t y – Not everyone feels comfortable disclosing their invisible condition – and that is totally understandable.

• B e a g o o d l i s t e n e r w h e n t h e y c o n f i d e i n y o u – If someone decides to open up and talk to you, reply without judgement and show your appreciation.

• K n o w h o w t o r e s po n d i f yo u s a y t h e ‘w r o n g ’ t h i n g – Sometimes, you may say or react in a way that comes across as inconsiderate. Mistakes can happen, but make sure to own what you said by promising to be better next time. Don’t cause a scene nor downplay what you said to avoid awkwardness. Instead, accept responsibility and learn from it.

Whether at work or within our family and social circle, there are many people who coexist with hidden illnesses. But by educating ourselves and broadening our understanding of these conditions, we can actively break down barriers for all those living with invisible disabilities.

Danielle enjoys ‘La Dolce Vita’ in stunning Venice with the help of her eFOLDi scooter

Danielle, 43 from Colchester, described her recent trip to the gorgeous city of Venice, Italy as “truly incredible” but she wouldn’t have been able to enjoy this unique travel experience without her ‘travel-friendly’ scooter. Following an accident in her mid-teens, Danielle finds walking long distances a real struggle and her condition can cause chronic pain. Despite these challenges, however, Danielle is determined to remain independent, because travel is her real passion, and she wants to enjoy the freedom to explore with both her family and friends.

Travelling in the UK and overseas can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, but having a portable scooter can make a massive difference. Danielle commented, “Because my eFOLDi scooter folds up so quickly and easily, it can be simply stowed away in the hold of a plane, in the boot of a car or in the luggage rack on a train. It only takes a few seconds to fold or unfold, and weighs only 17kg, without the battery.

“When me and my husband recently travelled to Venice, I used my scooter to get around the airport, to check-in for my flight, to get a bite to eat and check out the shops in the main shopping area. As we travelled light and only took cabin luggage, I could drive my scooter whilst pulling along my baggage at the same time, which was a great help. When the call came for our British Airways flight, I was even able to drive my scooter right up to the plane door. The cabin staff made sure my scooter then went in the hold, neatly folded so I could collect it when we landed. My scooter uses a removable lithium-ion battery which means it’s also fully airline compliant.”

The wider region of Venice and Giudecca is connected by more than 430 bridges, but thanks to a network of ramps and water buses it claims to be more than 70% accessible. The local government in Venice as well as local businesses in the city have worked hard to help improve levels of accessibility in recent years. This includes the vast majority of museums in Venice which are now classified as accessible, which is fairly impressive given that many of those museums are located in buildings constructed many hundreds of years ago.

Danielle remarked, “You can end up walking for miles to see all the sites and I just couldn't have done that without my scooter. The water buses can be used if you do need some assistance, and they didn’t mind taking my scooter on board. Some ramps did require a little planning here and there, to ensure I had enough of a run up and that there were no pedestrians obstructing the way. But, other than that, my eFOLDi Explorer scooter coped really well. It could also fit down all the narrow alleyways, and it’s very easy to manoeuvre, although it’s important to maintain your balance on any uneven surfaces.

“All in all, I have to say, Venice is beautiful and such a fantastic city to visit. My husband and I had a great time – it really is a stunning holiday destination. I would certainly recommend Venice to any other scooter users. With a little bit of planning and a companion to support you, should you need it, anything is possible.”