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Understanding hidden disabilities
In a world where misconceptions about disability are common, it’s time to shed some light on what disability means, especially when it’s not visible.
A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).
In Australia, thousands of people live with hidden or invisible disabilities, conditions that aren’t immediately visible but significantly impact daily life and employment. These include mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, neurological differences such as ADHD and autism, and chronic illnesses or pain.
Despite how common they are, many people don’t realise they may be eligible for employment support.
Let’s explore some of the most common misconceptions about hidden disabilities and the employment support available to help individuals find and keep a job.
Are all disabilities able to be seen?
Despite common belief, disability isn’t just what can be visibly seen.
Disabilities cover a whole range of things that affect how people live their lives. It’s not just physical, it can include things that might not be obvious, better known as hidden or invisible disabilities.
What is a hidden or invisible disability?
Hidden or invisible disability is an umbrella term that defines disabilities that are not immediately apparent, some disabilities cannot be seen from the outside.
According to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organisation, which raises awareness of conditions that affect people without being seen, 80 percent of disabilities are invisible. The organisation says this means there are a billion people in the world living with a hidden disability.
Anyone with a disability or medical condition that affects their daily living but is not physically visible to another person, has a hidden disability.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
This could include people with diagnoses of
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Asthma
- Brain injuries
- Chronic illnesses
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Hearing impairment or Deafness
- Learning difficulties
- Mental health conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Respiratory conditions
- Sleep disorders
- Speech impairments
- Visual impairments or blindness
Is anxiety and depression a disability?
A mental health condition, such as anxiety and/or depression may be considered a disability depending on the impact the condition has on your everyday life. It is important, if you feel that your mental health condition is having a major impact on your daily activities, such as self-care, ability to be in social settings or participating in work, that you speak to your GP about the next steps for accessing disability support.
Is there a list of medical conditions or disabilities?
The most current and accurate medical conditions and disabilities information can be sourced from your GP. However, you can find a Guide to the List of Recognised Disabilities here on the Department of Socials Services website.
Why is it important to understand what a disability is?
There are a range of services and supports available in Australia for people with disability, including CVGT Employment’s disability employment support.
Individuals are often overlooking disability services available to help support them due to a lack of education around health conditions that classify as a disability.
How do hidden disabilities affect employment?
People with hidden disabilities often face unique challenges in the workplace
- Difficulty accessing appropriate accommodations.
- Misunderstanding or stigma from employers and colleagues.
- Fluctuating symptoms that impact job performance.
- Limited awareness of available support services.
These barriers can lead to underemployment, job insecurity, and reduced confidence.
Employment support
CVGT Employment offers employment support programs designed to support individuals with hidden disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful work. These services include
- Personalised job matching
- Workplace modifications and accommodations
- Ongoing support once employed
- Assistance with resumes, interviews, and training
Connect to CVGT Employment
If you have an injury, illness or disability, visit cvgt.com.au or call us on 132 848 to learn more about how our team can support you to find meaningful work.
You can also visit us. Find a local CVGT Employment branch near you here.