Invisible Disabilities Column
Invisible Disabilities: An Extra Challenge
There is too little information out on the net about invisible disabilities – or at least there was in 2000 when I decided to write a column focusing on issues relevant to people with invisible disabilities. The columns were written during 2000 and 2001 so some are now out of date but most are still [...]
Invisible Disability Stigma
Written in 2001. People with invisible disabilities are often stigmatized because they can’t do things that non-disabled people can do. People with invisible disabilities (IDs) will often have to say, “No, I can’t do that” or need some accommodations, when they look perfectly normal. This can be a struggle for both the disabled person, who [...]
The Australian Government: A Rant
This article was written in 2001. Warning: This one’s a personal rant. In my opinion, the Australian government is usually a fair and reasonable one, whichever party is in power. They have a fair record on things like human rights, a social saftey net, anti-discrimination legislation and other things that concern me. They also, of [...]
Sometimes Visible
The line between “visible disability” and “invisible disability” is a shifting one. Often hard to pin down. For example, my disabilities are really invisible – if you looked at me while I was sitting up you’d appear to see a normal healthy 26 year old woman. But if you saw me when I was going [...]
Simulating IDs
This article written around April, 2001. One of the big problems that people with invisible disabilities have is explaining what it feels like. It’s a never-ending battle! Here’s an what happened when somebody tried to simulate a visible disability, and how I think the invisible disability of CFS might be simulated. To Walk, er, Wheel [...]
“How Are You?” What to answer when you’re never “Fine, thanks”
This article was written around March, 2001. I’m never, “Fine, thanks”. Oh, I say I am, just like everybody else, but I never am. It’s just that most people who ask don’t really care what you say. It’s just convention, like saying, “Hello” and “Goodbye”. So I say, “Fine” and mean, “I’m in pain, I’m [...]
Invisible Guilt
This column article written in March, 2001. Society Says: I can’t see it, it can’t be that bad. If it was really bad you’d have a wheelchair or green spots or something, it must be trivial. Invisibly Disabled Person Replies: *cringing* Umm, oops, sorry … How easy it is to pick up society’s idea that [...]
Practical ID Activism
This column article written in February, 2001. You walk up to the train in peak hour, backpack with your books on your back. You’re hurting badly and your legs feel wobbly and weak. But you look okay. You look like a normal mid-twenties female with a backpack and blue jeans. You’re disabled but it doesn’t [...]
Being A Disability
This column article written in February, 2001. When you are disabled, especially when you have multiple things wrong with you, it’s very easy to become those disabilities. Be nothing more than the sum of your deficiencies and problems. I am surrounded by carers, doctors, therapists, support groups, capsules, pills, potions, powders, braces, sticks, wheelchair … [...]
Invisible Disability Explanation Fatigue
This column article written January, 2001. I’m worn out now. I just attempted to explain to yet another person that no, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does not just make you sleep all the time. Narcolepsy is a disease that makes you fall asleep all the time, even in inappropriate places like at the dinner table. I [...]
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