Believe In the Invisible

As we join the forces to observe Disability Employment Awareness Month, it's crucial to highlight a less-discussed but equally important aspect of disability- Invisible disabilities. These are conditions that aren’t immediately apparent, such as Multiple sclerosis (MS), bood disorders, chronic neurological conditions, chronic pain, mental health disorders, etc. Did you know? According to the U.S. Department of Labor OCIO, individuals with disabilities face higher unemployment rates, and for those with invisible disabilities, the challenges are often compounded by a lack of understanding and awareness. These challenges can include not receiving necessary accommodations because their disability isn't immediately visible, or facing stigma because of misperceptions around their capabilities. As per DirectEmployers Association, approximately 80% of the world's 1 in 6 people with Disabilities have Invisible conditions. Yet, these stories often go untold. We want to change that! If you have an invisible disability, share your employment journey with us- whether it’s overcoming challenges or finding support. Your story has the power to raise awareness and create more inclusive workplaces for all. To share your journey, tap the link - https://lnkd.in/dcuKmZpt  OR Comment below, DM us, or scan the QR code attached in the poster to share your story and help make a difference! Image description in the comments. #DEAM #InvisibleDisabilities #BelieveInTheInvisible #SDG8 #DisabilityEmployment #InclusionAtWork #DEI #LeaveNoOneBehind

While we talk about invisible disabilities we must have a conversation on how the invisibility of disabilities that are physical or otherwise also comes from the lack of awareness, understanding, and conversations around it. Stigma then becomes the cause and consequences of these conversations being hushed. As an organisation working on invisible disabilities, these are the few questions we get. If you have any questions on what/how/when of invisible disabilities then do post your questions in the comments! Let’s talk it out together. Image description in the comments. Divyang Empowerment | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI | Disability:IN | nasscom foundation | nasscom | Disability Management Institute | Billion Strong | Invisible Disabilities® Association | Global Disability Summit | Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 💜| Global Disability Inclusion, LLC | Valuable 500 | Anjali Vyas | Disability Rights Fund | ILO Global Business and Disability Network | Aarti Batra

Workplace Challenges: Voices of the Invisible Persons with invisible disabilities like blood disorders also face significant employment barriers; from insufficient accommodations to policy gaps that fail to recognize their needs. This second story in our ongoing series observing Invisible Disabilities Week shares real stories from the Baseline Report on Employment for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis and Blood Disorders by the fellow, Anjali Vyas at NCPEDP - Javed Abidi Fellowship on Disability. What unique challenges have you encountered or observed for those with invisible disabilities in the workplace? Share your thoughts by tapping the link here - https://lnkd.in/dcuKmZpt or write to us on believeintheinvisible2022@gmail.com Image description in the comments. #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek #DEAM #InvisibleDisabilities #BelieveInTheInvisible #InclusiveWorkplaces #DEI #LeaveNoOneBehind

Workplace challenges : Voices of the Invisible Many people with invisible disabilities, like Multiple Sclerosis, face unique yet prevalent employment challenges that are often misunderstood or ignored. From inaccessible infrastructure to the fear of disclosing their condition, these struggles deserve more attention. Here is the first story from 'Workplace Challenges: Voices of the Invisible' - a series based on findings from the Baseline Report on Employment for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis and Blood Disorders by Anjali Vyas at NCPEDP - Javed Abidi Fellowship on Disability. Have you faced invisible challenges in your workplace? What are the recommendations that you would offer to make workplaces inclusive for persons with invisible disabilities? Share your thoughts in the comments, or tap the link - https://lnkd.in/dcuKmZpt  Stay tuned for more insights and case studies highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive workplaces. Image descritiption in the comments. #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek #DEAM #InvisibleDisabilities #MultipleSclerosis #InclusiveEmployment #DEI #BelieveInTheInvisible #SDG8 #LeaveNoOneBehind

It’s the Invisible Disabilities Week, and it’s time to bring the employment challenges of people with invisible disabilities to light. A 2022 baseline survey by Anjali Vyas at NCPEDP - Javed Abidi Fellowship on Disability sheds light on the employment barriers faced by persons with Multiple Sclerosis and blood disorders. Out of 128 individuals surveyed: - 57% live with some form of invisible disabilities, with most diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. - 30% live with blood disorders. - The largest age group (40%) falls between 30-40 years, followed by 20-30 years (30%) : The most active working class Many choose not to disclose their disability at work, driven by fear of job loss and lack of awareness. Only 15 individuals received reasonable accommodation, while 53 struggled with challenges like fatigue, weakness, and long working hours. Accessible workplace adaptations, such as restroom facilities, remain lacking. What challenges do you face in the workplace? How can we create more inclusive environments? Share your thoughts in the comments or tap on the link - https://lnkd.in/dcuKmZpt Stay tuned as we share more insights from the Baseline Report on Employment for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis and Blood Disorders (NCPEDP, 2022), featuring real case studies and recommendations to make workplaces more inclusive.  Image description in the comments. #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek #DisabilityInclusion #WorkplaceAccessibility #MultipleSclerosis #BloodDisorders #InvisibleDisabilities #BelieveInTheInvisible #DEI #ReasonableAccommodation

Dear Believers & Supporters!! 🌟 We are thrilled to share some Big News! 🌟 As Invisible Disabilities Week begins, we are incredibly excited to announce the launch of Believe in the Invisible's website. Our website is live! Swing by, have a peek, and join us on this incredible journey at https://lnkd.in/dJXMGgQ3 A big shoutout to AAIBUZZ, Vijaykumar Kadiyam and swadeep kadam for the development of the website. This is a huge milestone for us, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our volunteer team, who have believed in our mission to advocate for people with invisible disabilities from the very start. We are grateful for their hard work, and now, we’re looking to expand our team and grow even further. To keep making a difference, we humbly ask for your support. Your personal donations will help us drive change, fund our initiatives, and create a more inclusive world for those who often go unseen. Every bit counts and makes a world of difference in helping us ensure no one is left behind. For personal donations, please use our bank details:   ● Account Name: Believe in the Invisible Forum ● Bank: State Bank of India ● Account Number: 43177028731 ● IFSC Code: SBIN0016532 ● Branch: Sector-38, Gurgaon branch We request you to also send a confirmation email to believeintheinvisible2022@gmail.com after making your donation, so we can acknowledge your generous support for our records. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us and believing in this mission. Together, lets ensure invisible disabilities are recognized and supported. Image description in the comments. #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek #BelieveInTheInvisible #DisabilityAdvocacy #PersonalDonations #Donate #Support

Meet Aminu Aliyu from Nigeria, a person with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), an invisible disability as he highlights the difficulties he faces at the workplace. He also offers insightful recommendations to build more inclusive work environments. Here's what he says : "Living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in the workplace adds unique challenges that many may not realize. POTS is a form of dysautonomia where the body has trouble regulating blood flow, especially when moving from sitting to standing, causing symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and brain fog. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with sudden dizziness or lightheadedness. Something as simple as standing up from my desk or walking to a meeting can trigger an intense increase in heart rate, making me feel like I might faint. It’s hard to explain to coworkers why I might need to take a moment to sit down or drink water more frequently without making it seem like I’m unwell all the time. Another unexpected challenge is fatigue. POTS often makes me feel extremely tired, even after doing relatively little physical activity. Maintaining a full workday sometimes feels overwhelming because my energy drains quickly, especially after standing for too long or even sitting upright for extended periods. The brain fog that accompanies POTS can also be frustrating. There are days when it feels like I’m thinking through a haze, and tasks that require concentration or memory become difficult. This can lead to delays or errors in my work, which might surprise others who aren’t aware of the cognitive effects of POTS. Finally, the invisibility of POTS is often hard to explain. Since I look fine on the outside, people might not understand why I’m struggling or why I need accommodations, like being able to sit during meetings or work flexible hours. This can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration when trying to advocate for myself. Despite these challenges, living with POTS has taught me resilience and the importance of self-advocacy. I’ve learned to listen to my body, take breaks when needed, and communicate openly with my employer about my condition. Sharing my experience can help raise awareness and foster greater understanding in the workplace." Read more in the comments below! If you have a similar story to share, tap here to contribute your experiences - https://lnkd.in/dcuKmZpt  #DEAM #InvisibleDisabilities #WorkplaceInclusion #POTS #BelieveInTheInvisible #DisabilityAdvocacy #DEI #SDG8 #LeaveNoOneBehind Disability:IN | Billion Strong | Invisible Disabilities® Association | Global Disability Summit | Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 💜| Global Disability Inclusion, LLC | Valuable 500 | AXSChat | Disability Rights Fund | ILO Global Business and Disability Network | BBC Studios

The numbers behind workplace inclusion tell an important story; one that often goes unseen. Invisible disabilities affect millions, yet inclusive practices are still evolving to meet the needs of these employees. According to DirectEmployers Association, approximately 80% of the world's 1 in 6 people with Disabilities have Invisible conditions. In this post, we’re diving into the data that drives meaningful change in the workplace. Because every stat represents a person, a challenge, and an opportunity to create a truly inclusive environment. Have you ever experienced or witnessed challenges related to invisible disabilities at work? Share your views on workplace inclusion and invisible disabilities by tapping the link - https://lnkd.in/dcuKmZpt or write to us at believeintheinvisible2022@gmail.com . Image Description in the comments. #InvisibleDisabilities #WorkplaceInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #BelieveInTheInvisible #DEI #SDG8 #LeaveNoOneBehind

In the first of our Invisible Disabilities, Visible Careers', meet Trishna Bharadia, BA(hons), MFPM(Hon) from the UK – a remarkable advocate, public speaker, and multiple award winner living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Despite the invisible challenges MS brings, Trishna has carved out an inspiring career path that goes beyond the diagnosis. Here's what she says: "If you were to meet me in the street at any time leading up to and since my diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 2008, you’re unlikely to guess that I have a degenerative neurological condition. All of my symptoms have been invisible – fatigue, loss of sensation, poor temperature regulation, bladder problems, pain and muscle spasms, to name just a few. This has often made it hard for people to understand because what I’m experiencing isn’t visible to them. They might see me on social media doing a dance class, playing hockey, speaking about my experiences at conferences, but they don’t see the preparation or recovery I need to do before and afterwards. Flexibility and adaptability has been crucial for me, both socially and work-wise. I do much more virtually because it takes less energy and I don’t have to travel. If I do need to travel, I’ll take my caregiver with me, I’ll book assistance and I’ll wear my sunflower lanyard (a global scheme to support people with hidden disabilities). I also plan things around when I’m the most productive and people now know not to expect me to be able to do things spontaneously. I’ve also become more comfortable asking for help or saying what I need in order to make something possible. I think the more open we are about invisible disabilities, the more understanding we will get from the wider community. That’s why I advocate for people living with chronic illness – together we are stronger!"....... Read more in the comments below! Stay tuned as we bring you more empowering stories in our series: 'Invisible Disabilities, Visible Careers' If you too have a story to tell, tap here- https://lnkd.in/dcuKmZpt or write to us on believeintheinvisible2022@gmail.com #InvisibleDisabilities #DEAM #MultipleSclerosis #WorkplaceInclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy #BelieveInTheInvisible #DEI #SDG8 Disability:IN| Invisible Disabilities® Association | Global Disability Inclusion, LLC | Disability Scoop | Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 💜| National MS Society | MS Society | Antonio Vieira Santos | Billion Strong | Global Disability Summit | Valuable 500 | Rising Flame | India Inclusion Summit | American India Foundation | Global Disability Innovation Hub

Persons with invisible disabilities often face significant challenges in the workplace, including fear of job loss, concerns about being misjudged, and a lack of reasonable accommodations, among many others. These barriers can prevent them from fully contributing to their roles and thriving in their careers. How has your employment journey been? We want to hear from you! Share your story of navigating employment with an invisible disability by tapping the link- https://lnkd.in/dcuKmZpt or writing to us on believeintheinvisible2022@gmail.com. Your experiences can help raise awareness and drive change. Stay tuned this week as we share important insights from reports and statistics on invisible disabilities, along with a powerful story that highlights the need for greater understanding and support in the workplace. Image description in the comments. #DEAM #InvisibleDisabilities #BelieveInTheInvisible #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveEmployment #SDG8 #DEI #LeaveNoOneBehind