December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disability (IDPwD). The celebration, created by the United Nations, seeks to celebrate the over one billion people worldwide who live with some kind of disability. Disability is so natural that this number equals 15 per cent or more of the total population of the world. We don’t celebrate disability, but the ability that is hidden within, and makes uniquely able all those who live with disability. The theme this year is: “Not all Disabilities are Visible”.
In Australia, 1 in 5 (18%) have a disability. Another 22 per cent have long-term health conditions, but no disability, while the remaining group has no disability or long-term health condition. These figures show that each parish in our diocese will have a large number living with a disability in our midst. This might explain why UN decided to focus on invisible disabilities this year.
People with disabilities go shopping, have jobs, go on holidays, access information and contribute to society in the same way that people without disability do. The only difference is that, often, people with disability come up against significant barriers while trying to do the things that many of us take for granted.
People with disability may need assistance to participate in social and church life. Knowing what these problem activities are is very important for us when planning services and building inclusive communities. Their participation enriches every aspect of church life so we must take a stand and do what we can to create positive change. Joseph Cardinal Bernadin says: “Disability, whether minor or significant, should not isolate someone from the worshipping community. We can find ways to make connections”.
Invisible or ‘hidden’ disabilities are defined as disabilities that are not immediately apparent. There is a higher prevalence of non-visible disabilities in Australia than visible disabilities. Generally, seeing a person in a wheelchair, wearing a hearing aid, or carrying a white cane tells us that that person may be disabled. But, what about invisible disabilities that make daily living a bit more difficult for many people worldwide?
Many people living with a hidden physical disability or mental challenge are still able to be active in their hobbies or work and enjoy playing sports. On the other hand, some struggle just to get through their day at work, but there are some who cannot work at all. A growing focus on mental health and wellbeing had been bubbling away in the background prior to the COVID-19 crisis. This has accelerated as a response to the virus, but it seems that more support is needed for this invisible disability.
Although the hidden disability creates a challenge for the person who has it, the reality of the disability can be difficult for others to recognise or acknowledge when we can’t see any evidence of it. People with invisible disabilites are regularly upset or abused because others couldn’t ‘see’ it.
They are often accused of faking or imagining their symptoms – a “hypochondriac” or ”just lazy”. This treatment turns them off talking about their experiences and covers up even more. They become experts at covering up and acting ‘normal’.
L’Arche is an international organisation through which people with and without disabilities share life in community, build mutually transforming relationships, celebrate the dignity of each human person, and make known each other’s gifts by working together to build a better world. Take the opportunity to contact our L’Arche communities in Sandhurst Diocese and discover the community of faith within. Father Henri Nouwen says: “One of the greatest gifts of people with visible disabilities is that they help those of us with invisible disabilities to get in touch with them” (The Vulnerable Journey, 1996).
Most chronic invisible conditions are not always obvious to an observer, but often limit daily activities for people trying to succeed. Some celebrities have not let their invisible disabilities get in the way of their success.
Selena Gomez – cancelled her tour and checked in to rehab, following her diagnosis of lupus and the necessary chemotherapy.
Morgan Freeman – lives with the chronic pain of fibromyalgia as he performs each day.
Michael Phelps – diagnosed at 9 with ADHD. Soothing effects of water helped him to cope. He won 28 Olympic medals in swimming events.
Justin Timberlake – has OCD mixed with ADD. He found ways to manage his symptoms.
Paris Hilton – hotel heiress was diagnosed with ADD and has been on medication since then.
These well-known figures, as well as many other less famous people, have found ways to thrive and live full, happy lives.
Accessible toilets and parking bays are not just for people who use a wheelchair. You should not have to explain your circumstances when you have a ‘hidden’ disability and need to use these public facilities. At Invisible Disabilities Australia, they are working to change perceptions and the built environment to suit the needs of many Australians. Their National Access Card and Lanyard will provide evidence that you need discreet assistance. You will not have to explain your invisible disability unless you wish to when wearing your “No Need to Explain” access card. For more information: www.invisibledisabilities.com.au>access-card.
COVID-19 has impacted our ability to hold the usual award ceremonies and public events, so this year achievements and contributions of people with disability will be promoted and acknowledged through online stories and videos which will be shared on the IDPwD website and social media channels -- #DisableStereotypes. (idpwd.com.au)
I have taken a quote from the recent National Virtual Conference – Australian Network on Disability (AND). “Our challenge is to create a new normal that is more inclusive and more cohesive and fairer for all” (12 May, 2020).
Mary Pianta. Disability Contact Coordinator for the Diocese of Sandhurst.
