10/22/2026
October 18-24 is
Invisible (or non-apparent) disabilities are physical, mental, or neurological conditions which significantly limit daily activities but are not immediately apparent to an observer. They can include:
🧡 Mental Health Conditions: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD / CPTSD, OCD
🧡 Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions (pain & fatigue): Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Arthritis, Lupus, Endometriosis, Bodily Injuries
🧡 Neurodivergence and Cognitive Impairments (information processing, communication, sensory input): Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Brain Injuries
🧡 Chronic Medical and Autoimmune Diseases: Diabetes, Crohn's, Colitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Long Covid, MCAS
🧡 Sensory Impairments: Hearing loss / deafness, low vision / blindness, sensory processing disorders
Symptoms are as unique as each individual suffering with them, and the severity is often downplayed when facing pressure to fit in. Lack of understanding increases the stigma and the suffering, as individuals attempt to manage others' perceptions of them, on top of dealing with the realities of their condition.
In Canada, backed by the Human Rights Act and various provincial laws, individuals with non-apparent disabilities have as much legal right to accommodations as do those with visible disabilities. It is estimated that over one fifth of people aged 15 and up live with a non-apparent disability.
To learn more, visit: invisibledisabilitiesweek.org