Invisible Disabilities Week: Making the Unseen Seen
You can’t always see what someone’s going through, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. That’s the message behind Invisible Disabilities Week, observed this year from October 19–25, a time to recognize the millions of people who live each day with chronic, often unseen conditions that affect their lives in profound ways.
What Is Invisible Disabilities Week?
Invisible Disabilities Week was created by the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) to bring understanding and visibility to those whose disabilities aren’t immediately noticeable.
IDA’s mission is to encourage, educate, and connect people and organizations touched by invisible disabilities, while its vision is to create a world where people living with such conditions are fully accepted and included.
From chronic pain and autoimmune disorders to neurological and mental health challenges, Invisible Disabilities Week reminds us that empathy and awareness can change how we see and support others.
What Are “Invisible Disabilities”?
An invisible disability is any physical, mental, or neurological condition that isn’t outwardly visible but can significantly impact daily functioning. These can include:
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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) — A connective tissue disorder that can cause joint pain, fatigue, and hypermobility. (Fun fact for romantasy fans: Fourth Wing author Rebecca Yarros has EDS, as does the novel's heroine, Violet Sorrengail, giving representation to those living with chronic pain and strength alike.)
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Lupus — An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and fatigue.
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Diabetes — A metabolic condition affecting blood sugar regulation that can cause complications unseen from the outside.
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Crohn’s Disease — A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause severe pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) — A neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, often leading to numbness, weakness, and mobility challenges.
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Autism — A neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, sensory processing, and social interaction.
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Fibromyalgia — A chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.
The list doesn’t end there. Invisible disabilities can include mental health disorders, traumatic brain injuries, migraines, and many others. What they share is the challenge of being unseen yet deeply felt.
How to Participate in Invisible Disabilities Week
Whether you live with an invisible disability or want to support someone who does, there are so many meaningful ways to join the movement. Here are a few ways to participate, inspired by the Invisible Disabilities Association:
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Check out official Invisible Disabilities Week proclamations in your city or state or request one
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Share your story. Open up about your challenges, frustrations, and triumphs.
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Show what helps you get through the day. Post photos of your favorite people, pets, service dogs, doctors, and happy places.
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Make your courage visible. Use hashtags #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek and #SeeTheInvisible to raise awareness online.
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Join IDA’s Invisible Disabilities Community — a supportive online group for sharing experiences and finding connection.
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Start a conversation by wearing the “Chronic But Iconic” Tee, a design made to empower those living with chronic illness to show their strength and resilience. Post a photo in your tee to make the invisible visible.
Why It Matters
Invisible Disabilities Week is all about awareness and inclusion. It’s about recognizing that you don’t have to see someone’s struggle to respect it.
To everyone living with a hidden battle: your strength matters. Your story matters. And you are, truly, chronic but iconic.
Help support the movement. Share your story, tag your posts with #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek and #SeeTheInvisible, and grab your Chronic But Iconic Tee to keep the conversation going. Together, we can make the unseen seen.
