Invisible Disabilities

Invisible disabilities include learning disabilities, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or a psychiatric disability. Because these disabilities are not necessarily observable, we refer to them as “invisible disabilities”. And while they are not readily apparent, they do impact at least one or more major life activity, such as reading, writing, processing speed, communication skills, executive functioning skills, etc.

Examples of some of the invisible disabilities Sail consulting works with include:

• Learning disabilities – such as dyscalculia or dyslexia

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• Developmental disorders such as Autism spectrum disorder

• Psychiatric disabilities such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety disorder.

Individuals with invisible disabilities are your colleagues and your customers. Because they are not visible, most often individuals prefer not to disclose their disability and instead keep them hidden. Frequently you and your employees with invisible disabilities are unaware of the impact the disability has on them as members of your workforce. Other times they are aware and attempt to unsuccessfully cope on their own, leading to significant drop in productivity. Perserverence and increased access to the best educational institutions has increased the number of individuals with invisible disabilities entering the workforce.