What is a non-visible

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 government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/inclusive-communication/inclusive-language-wordsto-use-and-avoid-when-writing-about-disability

Some examples of hidden disabilities include:

Autism

Brain Injuries

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Pain

Dementia

Diabetes

Epilepsy

Hearing Loss