A visible disability is one that is outwardly visible. You might notice someone using a wheelchair, carrying a white cane, or having difficulty walking. A non-visible disability, also known as a hidden disability or invisible disability, is a disability with no outward physical signs; you can’t tell the person is disabled just by looking at them. Globally, 1 in 7 people are disabled, and in the UK, 80% of those people have non-visible disabilities.
Some disabled people prefer the term ‘non-visible disability’ or ‘non-apparent disability’ over hidden or invisible disability. This is because: ‘Hidden disability’ can imply the disabled person is hiding their disability ‘Invisible disability’ could imply the disability doesn’t exist
However, it is important to always respect the preferences of the disabled person you are communicating with. This is also true for identity first language (Disabled person/Autistic person) and person first language (person with a disability/person with dementia). People have different preferences that should be respected.
More information on inclusive language can be found on the UK government’s website
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 non-visible 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 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:
Homecare's advice on living with a non-visible disability
BMA: Hidden Disabilities Remain Overlooked
BBC Worklife: The Hidden Challenges of Invisible Disibilities
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