Invisible Disabilities Week
Invisible Disabilities Week takes place during the fourth week of October to raise awareness and advocate for those with disabilities that are not immediately visible. Established by the Invisible Disabilities Association, the week encourages communities to recognize the varied experiences of people living with hidden conditions, challenge assumptions about what disability “looks like,” and promote environments where individuals feel supported, believed, and included.
Invisible disabilities encompass a wide range of conditions, such as chronic pain and fatigue, autoimmune disorders, neurological differences such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism, mental health conditions, hearing loss or auditory processing differences, and dyslexia and other learning disabilities. These conditions may significantly affect daily life yet remain unseen to others. Because symptoms are often unpredictable or misunderstood, people with invisible disabilities frequently encounter skepticism or stigma. During this week, we seek to counter these experiences by promoting empathy, education, and awareness of the challenges individuals may face behind the scenes.
The observance also highlights the importance of accessibility beyond visible accommodations. While ramps, elevators, and mobility aids are essential, people with invisible disabilities may need different forms of support. Invisible Disabilities Week encourages workplaces, schools, and communities to adopt practices that recognize the full spectrum of disability.
Education is also a central component of the observance. Advocacy organizations often share resources explaining how invisible disabilities develop, how they are diagnosed, and how they affect functioning, helping dispel misconceptions. Invisible Disabilities Week encourages people to learn about the complexities of chronic and fluctuating conditions, including how symptoms may vary from day to day. This understanding fosters compassion and reduces the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking support or disclosing their disability.
Communities participate in Invisible Disabilities Week by showing support for those with invisible disabilities. These efforts can take many different forms. In 2025, Governor Laura Kelly officially designated Invisible Disabilities Week in Kansas to increase statewide awareness, encourage policy development, and highlight the experiences of Kansans living with nonvisible conditions. Schools and workplaces may host awareness events or distribute materials that explain invisible disabilities and promote inclusive practices. Organizations like Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, established in 2016, use simple tools to help increase visibility. They chose a sunflower lanyard as an internationally recognized symbol indicating that a person has an invisible disability and may require additional time, patience, or support. At the University of Kansas, there are resources available for folks with disabilities. The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX (OCRTIX) supports discrimination cases surrounding disabilities, and disability accommodations can be utilized through the Student Access Center. The University of Kansas Medical Center also offers academic disability accommodations through the Office of Academic Accommodations.
Invisible Disabilities Week is a reminder that disability is not defined by appearance. By recognizing the experiences of people with invisible disabilities, the observance promotes a society where individuals are believed, valued, and empowered to participate fully in daily life.
At the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, we believe that when people feel a true sense of belonging, they are better able to reach their full potential and succeed. We are committed to uplifting each Jayhawk by fostering a culture where each person is seen, heard, and valued. Honoring a variety of identities, cultures, and observances allows us to make the University of Kansas a safe and welcoming space for everyone.