Speaking Up for Hidden Disabilities: Making the Invisible Visible
- Justine Martin
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
Because not every disability can be seen, but every person deserves to be understood.
This week marks Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October), a time to raise awareness for the millions of people living with disabilities that can’t be seen. Around 80–85% of people with a disability have one that isn’t visible, conditions like neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and chronic illnesses that don’t show on the outside, but deeply affect life every single day.
As someone who lives with multiple hidden disabilities, I know firsthand how complex and misunderstood this can be. I live with multiple sclerosis, an acquired brain injury, chronic pain, and fatigue, conditions that can’t always be seen, but are always there. Some days, I’m out speaking on stage, leading my businesses, and thriving. Other days, I’m simply doing my best to make it through the day. That’s the reality of invisible disability, it’s unpredictable, it’s misunderstood, and yet it’s part of what makes me who I am.
The Challenge of What You Can’t See
Invisible disabilities are tricky because they challenge people’s assumptions. When you use a mobility aid one day and not the next, or when you cancel plans at the last minute because your body gives out, people sometimes question your truth. You hear comments like:
“But you don’t look sick.”
“You seemed fine yesterday.”
“You’re too positive to be unwell.”
These remarks often come from misunderstanding, not malice. But they remind us that disability isn’t always visible, and visibility shouldn’t be the measure of legitimacy.
Why I Choose to Speak About It
For a long time, I stayed quiet about my disabilities. I didn’t want to be treated differently or pitied. But silence only feeds stigma. When I began sharing my story, openly, honestly, and without apology. everything changed.
People came up to me after my talks saying, “That’s me too.” Others said, “You made me feel seen for the first time.” That’s when I realised, awareness begins with courage, and every story told makes the world a little kinder.
How We Can All Help
Creating an inclusive world starts with empathy and small, everyday choices. Here’s how we can all make life easier for people living with hidden disabilities:
Believe people when they share their needs. You don’t have to see a disability to respect it.
Offer understanding, not judgment. Sometimes we cancel plans or need extra time, not because we want to, but because we have to.
Create accessible spaces. Flexibility in workplaces, events, and daily interactions goes a long way.
Wear and recognise the sunflower. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global symbol of invisible disability awareness, a small sign that speaks volumes.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Living with hidden disabilities has taught me more about resilience than anything else in my life. It’s taught me how to adapt, how to rest without guilt, and how to lead with empathy.
It’s also shown me that visibility isn’t what defines impact. My challenges are real, but so is my strength. And every time I speak about them, whether on stage, in business, or through my writing, I hope to remind others that you don’t have to see someone’s pain to believe in their strength.
Final Thoughts
Invisible Disabilities Week is about more than awareness, it’s about action. It’s a reminder to slow down, to listen, to believe, and to show kindness even when we don’t fully understand.
Because behind every smile, every brave face, and every “I’m fine,” there might be a story you can’t see. And when we choose compassion first, we help make the invisible visible.
Book Justine to speak about resilience, hidden disability awareness, and turning adversity into strength.
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