non-visible disability?

How do I know if someone has a non-visible disability?

The nature of non-visible disabilities means that you rely on the disabled person telling you about their disability. If the disabled person chooses to share their disability with you, this may give you a better idea of any adjustments or accommodations they might need. Some disabled people may not feel comfortable sharing their disability/diagnosis with other people, and it is important to respect that, even if you think someone might have a disability.

How can I help someone with a nonvisible disability?

The help a disabled person may need depends on their disability and their specific needs, so it is always best to ask what help or assistance they may need. Some examples of potential accommodations/assistance could be:

Helping someone read and/or understand information

Giving them more time to complete a task or respond to you

Using different communication methods, such as writing or typing

Asking yes or no questions if the person seems overwhelmed or is struggling to communicate

Write/speak in plain/simple English

Be direct and literal with any instructions or communication

Offering someone a place to rest

Offering a private space for a person to escape to or undertake their own medical care

Most importantly, keep learning about non-visible disabilities and encourage those around you to educate themselves on non-visible disability issues.

Sunflower Lanyards

Sunflower lanyards were first used by Gatwick Airport in 2016, to give passengers the opportunity to discreetly indicate they made need extra assistance due to a non-visible disability. The scheme slowly spread around the country before becoming more mainstream due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as many people with non-visible disabilities were unable to wear masks. The scheme is now used all over the world. There is no qualifying list of disabilities – anyone with a non-visible disability can choose to wear the lanyard.

Not everyone with a non-visible disability is comfortable using a sunflower lanyard (therefore making their disability more visible).

You should never assume that just because someone isn’t wearing a sunflower lanyard, that they are not disabled, and you should never try and persuade someone to start wearing a sunflower lanyard if it’s not something they are comfortable with.

The needs of people with non-visible disabilities will be unique to the individual. It is important to remember that disabled people are the experts in their own lived experience and trust them when they communicate their needs.

For more information on non-visible disabilities, visit the following links: https://disabilityunit.blog.gov.uk/2020/12/17/living-with-nonvisible-disabilities/ https://www.homecare.co.uk/advice/non-visible-disabilitiesliving-with-a-hidden-disability https://www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opinion/access-for-allinvisible-disabilities-remain-overlooked

The hidden challenges of invisible disabilities - BBC Worklife