#Hidden Disabilities

Things Disabled People Are Expected To Do That Non-Disabled People Would Never Be Asked Here are things disabled people are expected to do that non-disabled people would never be asked. Once you notice them, you cannot unsee them. 1. Prove our disability on demand Non-disabled people are never asked to list symptoms, injuries, or diagnoses just to be believed. Yet disabled people get questioned about mobility aids, parking, time off, and adjustments as if our lives are court cases. 2. Be grateful for the bare minimum A lift that works, a ramp that is not blocked, a toilet you can actually get into. These are treated like luxuries, not access. No one else is expected to be grateful for simply being able to enter a building. 3. Plan everything around other people’s comfort We are expected to avoid being an inconvenience. To take the longer route, or the harder option, so no one has to move a chair or hold a door. Non-disabled people do not have to apologise for existing. 4. Justify needing rest or support Non-disabled people can say they are tired and nobody asks for evidence. Disabled people say they are tired and it becomes a debate, a judgement, or an accusation. 5. Accept reduced opportunities with a smile Jobs, events, education, social plans. Disabled people are expected to be understanding when something is not accessible or equitable. As if we should be grateful to be included at all. 6. Teach everyone else about disability for free We get asked to explain policy, access, language, and lived experience at any time, even by people who could easily look it up. Non-disabled people are never expected to be walking encyclopaedias of their identity. 7. Stay positive so other people do not feel awkward We are expected to soften the truth so it is easier for others to hear. Non-disabled people are allowed to have bad days without being inspirational or disappointing. What else would you add to this list from your disabled or chronically ill life? Your insights help people understand the reality behind the expectations.

You’re doing great – Reassures the child that their efforts are noticed, boosting confidence and motivation. You’re very strong – Highlights their inner resilience, helping them feel capable and proud of themselves. You make people smile – Shows that they have a positive impact on others, reinforcing social connection and self-worth. I’m so glad you’re here – Confirms they belong and are valued, creating a sense of safety and acceptance. Your hard work is inspiring – Encourages perseverance and self-esteem, helping them see that their effort matters and can make a difference. I’m proud of you – Celebrates their effort and accomplishments, reinforcing that they are recognized and supported. #disabilityawareness #inspirational #inclusion #specialneeds #parenting

Disability Myths vs Reality What disability myths do you still hear that need busting? Let me know in the comments! Today we are breaking down some of the most common misconceptions about disability and what the reality actually looks like. 1. “If you really need a mobility aid, you would use it all the time.” Reality: Disability is not consistent. Many disabled people use different aids on different days or for different situations. Someone might walk short distances, use a wheelchair outside, or need mobility aids only when symptoms flare. Using an aid sometimes does not make someone “less disabled.” No one used a wheelchair in bed! (do not try it at home!) 2. “It’s easy to get support if you’re disabled & people fake disability for benefits.” Reality: Accessing support is often long, confusing, and exhausting. Finding out what help exists, completing applications, attending assessments and chasing responses can take months or years. The admin alone can be a full-time job. Most support does not even cover the extra costs of being disabled, let alone provide comfort or ease. 3. “Disabled people are lazy or rely too much on others.” Reality: Many disabled people push themselves far beyond safe limits just to be taken seriously. We problem-solve constantly, adapt everything and often overwork ourselves to prove we are capable. Needing support is not the same as being lazy and independence does not mean doing everything alone. 4. “Being disabled means life is miserable or over.” Reality: Disability is often shown as the worst possible outcome in TV, films & workplace training. While being disabled can be incredibly hard, it is not the absence of joy. Many of us experience deep, meaningful, joyful lives. Life may not look how we once imagined, but that does not make it less valuable or less full. If this helped you understand disability a little better, please save this post so you can come back to it, and share it if someone in your life needs to read it. And if you are disabled and reading this: your experience is real, valid & not up for debate. #DisabilityEducation #DisabilityMths #DisabledVoices

This isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about noticing what’s missing. Accessibility often stops at babyhood, but disability doesn’t. Children grow. Bodies change. Needs remain. While most people won’t notice this, the people who need it will. Families shouldn’t have to choose between dignity and participation. True inclusion means planning for all stages of life. Let’s spread this conversation. If it leads to even one bathroom being changed, it’s worth it. We must do better. #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityAwareness #InclusionMatters #DignityForAll #DoBetter

Disabled people are behind some of our most essential everyday innovations. 🎞️ by @chronicallyjenni From electric toothbrushes to voice assistants, ramps to automatic doors—these weren’t just designed FOR disabled people, they were often created BY the disability community to solve real problems. It’s called the curb cut effect: when accessibility features designed for disabled people end up benefiting everyone. That ramp you use for your suitcase? Originally built for wheelchair users. Those captions you rely on when watching videos in public? Created for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Disability drives innovation. Accessibility truly helps everyone. #CurbCutEffect #AccessibilityHelpsEveryone

There is life after disability.Haters will hate and comment terrible things that disabled people should be put down. But that’s far from the truth. Many disabled people live wonderful, fulfilling lives. Some are even happier than typically developing children. Some disabled kids live in a world where they don’t care what people think. Some feel things deeply. Adapting to life with a disability isn’t easy. But there are ways to cope with limitations and overcome challenges. It won’t be easy, but most of the time it’s worth it. There are fun adaptive activities. There is happiness. The hardest part of me doing things is actually chronic illness. With disability I can do adaptive sports but chronic illness means I have fatigue, heart rate issues, dizziness, etc. that’s what really is the more limiting factor. But we still find fun things. #Fun #activities #sports #life

This might come as a huge shocker. But in my experience, Kids look because they’re curious, not cruel. When you whisper “don’t look,” it teaches them that disability is something embarrassing or wrong, something to be hidden instead of understood. If you shush them from asking questions, or turn their faces away from us, it makes them think that we are bad. That we shouldn’t be talked to. I’d much rather you teach them to say hi and smile, or let them ask questions. Or simply tell them, “People move, talk, and live in lots of different ways.” Teach them to be respectful. Normalize disabilities. Keep in mind, don’t let your kids just death stare at us. What I mean is it’s ok if they look and then smile and nod. But don’t just let your kids stare for ages at us. That is super uncomfortable. A simple moment of curiosity can become a moment of normalizing disability, instead of reinforcing shame. I promise it’s okay if your kids are curious. What hurts more is when kids mock us. I had a little girl come and ask a lot of questions about why I use a wheelchair. She left understanding it and realized it is just a different way to get around! Thank you to parents who continue to learn how to teach kids about disabilities. Hopefully this helps! Another side note- there’s a big difference when a kid does it vs adults. Some people don’t even like kids to stare. It’s different for everyone.personally I don’t mind it, as long as the kid is young and follows it up with a smile or wave! Keep in mind, I don’t speak for everyone. #disabilityawareness #wheelchair #inclusion fyp

😵‍💫 I think the reel explains itself! This is a sports wheelchair on a basketball floor, so there’s barely any friction 🌪️ 🌪️I’m sure you can probably tell by the reel that I really value movement! I’m smiling big because it’s seriously my favorite thing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to explore all the different ways we can take up space and explore the world! A wheelchair is the answer for my body to do so, and I’m so happy I have the opportunity to adapt to my disability in that way. 🏀 SERIOUSLY brings so much joy. 10/10 ✨ P.S. thank you @natalieematarazzo for the video ;) love you girl 😵‍💫: (for reach) #ambulatorywheelchairuser #disabled #positivity #disableddance #heds #disabilityawareness #mobility #reels #wheelchairtires #disabledandcute #chronicillness #community #yesand #newreels #ehlersdanlossyndrome #eds #disabilityawareness #explore #wheelchairuser #tutorial #movement #bodyneutrality #ehlersdanlossyndrome #motivation #wheelchair

Since I did not really answer the question, here is a description from their website: 😁🤦🏻🤷🏻❤️❤️ "The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces." It helps me when I am in spaces where I withdraw and become silent, and also when I need extra help.❤️ Not a lot of people in the US recognize it yet, though, so it is good to spread the word!😊❤️❤️ #hiddendisability

When people say things like “I feel so sorry for you,” what they’re really telling me is that they view disabilities as tragedies... My disability is NOT a tragedy. Period. Full stop. But you know what IS a tragedy?? All the ableism, inaccessibility and stereotypes that disabled people face every single day as we try to navigate a world that wasn’t built for us — and a world that routinely AND actively excludes us. Disabled people don’t want your pity. We don’t need you to feel sorry for us because ours is a powerful, passionate, diverse community full of the most BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE in the world... ♿️🙏🏻🌎 #disability #disabilityawareness #disabilityinclusion #disabilitypride #disabled #disabledlife #disabledandproud #disabilities #ableism #fyp #reels

Disability...in all its many forms, has a way of restricting ❌ people’s access to opportunities that are meaningful to them. Accommodations, like using sensory tools 🎧 or a support person🧍are sometimes THE ONLY WAY a person with a disability can ACCESS an opportunity... (like to receive medical treatment or work at a job.) Some of the accommodations that make it POSSIBLE for me to do things as an autistic person...would also enhance the experience of many people who DON’T have disabilities. 💞 Often, what’s NEEDED by people with disabilities can be beneficial for everyone! 👥 Like and share if this made you think of disability accommodations differently 🧠❤️ #autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autistic #neurodivergent #adhd #disability #teacher #therapist #actuallyautistic #mentalhealth #kindness #autismmom #advocate #inclusion #specialeducation