An invisible disability can be a very perplexing, and maybe even an uncomfortable topic for some people. For most people, when they think of the term “disability”, what comes to mind may be someone with a visible disability, in other words, an impediment they can see. There are still some people that don’t realize there are disabilities that are invisible, or can’t be seen with the naked eye alone. An invisible disability is exactly that, invisible. At the same time, just because someone has an invisible disability, doesn’t mean they aren’t in need of assistance accomplishing their goals. Also, just because it isn’t clear that someone has a disability, doesn’t mean they aren’t in fact disabled. Recently, I was made aware of a story about an airline passenger who has an invisible disability that had an incident trying to utilize an accommodation that was available to her. Due to the nature of this story, it’s important to point out that the person with the disability knows what kind of assistance they need, and should be heard when they let people know how someone else can help them. After all, the person with the disability lives with their disability everyday, and knows best how things affect them in their surroundings. They also know how to get things done in the best way for them.
When we travel, we prearrange accommodations over the phone with our airline. We don’t expect to have any issues once we get to the airport. Vacations are a time to rest and relax from our daily lives and the stress that comes along with it. It’s unfortunate that this incident occurred and, according to the passenger’s prior experiences mentioned in the article below, sadly this isn’t the first time it has happened. The fact that this incident happened is a reminder that continued efforts of increasing disability awareness need to be focused on by a variety of industries that have constant interaction with the public.
A blanket category of disability doesn’t exist. This incident is an example of how a person’s situation doesn’t “fit” into what some people “think” disability is, or should be. As a result, the passenger had to experience difficulties that weren’t necessary. While more visible “cues” would probably make some people more easily able to cope with the situation, or situations similar to this, it’s currently not the case. Additionally, given the advances in medical science and technology, it seems like the term “disability” may continue not to “fit” what people think it is, or should be.  That’s not a bad thing for the person or society. After all, various advances in many fields have made positive impacts in the ability of people with disabilities to work, and have even improved their quality of life. These are just a few examples of the positive things that have happened due to different innovations in society.
Unfortunately, until we all work together to feel more comfortable about the term “disability” and those it affects, in conjunction with not being afraid to be more inquisitive about the subject, it seems this will continually be a cycle that has no end. More education and sensitivity training for workers in different industries would be a great starting point to break the ice for many people. As a community, we are increasingly active with everyone else that lives, works, and plays in society. These experiences, while certainly unfortunate, should be used for all as a tool for learning and growth.
Thanks for reading..
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Here’s the link to the article:
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/disabled-woman-stansted-airport-refuse-help-ryanair-nathalie-allport-grantham-a8138051.html