Not all disabilities are the same, which seems self-explanatory. Being blind is not the same as having Down’s Syndrome which is not the same as using a wheelchair. Some disabilities are visible to us while others may seem “invisible,” however it is important to realize that the disability still exists, and may have its own set of challenges and accommodations.
Visible Disabilities
Visible disabilities are disabilities that one can see by observing a person. This could include the use of a wheelchair or an amputated limb.
Non-Visible Disabilities
Non-visible disabilities are disabilities that seem “invisible” as one cannot tell they exist by observing a person. Some common non-visible disabilities include:
- Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, OCD, etc.)
- Autism and Asperger’s
- Visual impairments/restricted vision
- Hearing loss (without visible signs like hearing aids)
- Sensory and processing difficulties
- Cognitive impairment (dementia, traumatic brain injury, concussions, learning disabilities)
- Non-visible health conditions (diabetes chronic pain/fatigue, respiratory conditions, etc.)
Some Extra things to Consider
One complicated aspect of disability rights and legal policy comes from the perception of disability as well. Because the ADA's legal definition of disability includes the perception of an impairment, someone who is perceived as having a disability but may not identify themselves as having a disability will still be protected legally. It is hard to discern what may or may not be a disability, and most times there is no clear cut or obvious answer. With this in mind, it’s always best to not make hasty judgments on people or assume that you know what’s going on.
Olin-specific Considerations
Olin is such a small, informal community that it is very easy to slip into behaviors that might be difficult for those with disabilities. The pressure to maintain social capital combined with high rates of imposter syndrome are all reasons that the barrier to disclosing or sharing ones disability status can be high. In many cases, this is not about 'fixing' an accessibility issue, rather these observations are about maintaining awareness and respect for the experience of others. Here are some behaviors and observations to note:
- If someone wants to use the elevator for any distance and at any time, please don't ask them why or question their commitment to environmentalism.
- In group settings, if someone seems very wary of writing on the board or on a post-it that will be shown publicly because they have 'very bad handwriting', don't give them a hard time or minimize their discomfort. While there might not be an easy 'fix' for this issue depending on the situation, consider delegating a scribe for the group where possible.
- If someone is staying quiet in group discussions or takes a longer time to respond to prompts or questions, consider offering an option for engagement that does not only reinforce skills in speedy processing or verbal communication, such as allowing a minute of individual processing before the group discussion.