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It is no secret that people are infinitely more complex than what meets the eye. It is a near- universal acknowledgement that it is impossible to know the true nature of a person’s life from an outward observer’s perspective. However, despite this recognition, society still fails to recognise the struggles faced by those with an invisible illness and provide adequate accommodations. An invisible disability is defined as ‘an illness that lasts a year or longer, limits activity and may require ongoing care’ that is not immediately or readily apparent to observers. These illnesses can range from conditions like chronic pain and endometriosis to mental illnesses and neurological conditions such as epilepsy. People with invisible disabilities often slip between the cracks when it comes to discourse surrounding accessibility and support systems. Those with invisible disabilities are often unfairly stigmatised, their struggles and needs deemed lesser than, and their desire for support seen as being a product of laziness. This stigma and ignorance fuel a culture of dismissal and misunderstanding that leaves people with invisible disabilities under-acknowledged and under-supported. For students studying at university, invisible disabilities can make completing coursework and participating in university social life incredibly difficult.
I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis at the age of fourteen. Scoliosis is defined as a curvature of the spine, and with a curvature of 55 degrees, my condition was severe enough that I had to undergo a spinal fusion surgery. With two metal rods and metal screws straightening the curvature, I have limited movement and cannot bend or twist my thoracic spine. What has been the most difficult part of this procedure is the complications that followed. Since undergoing the spinal fusion, I developed central sensitisation, a condition in which the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain and sensory stimuli. Light touch or muscle tension causes my nerves to fire pain signals, meaning I live the vast majority of the day with at least some level of pain. Whilst there are no visual indicators to suggest I struggle with day-to-day tasks, living with chronic pain has made things like attending classes immensely difficult. I often mourn the university life I could be experiencing if not for my disability. However, my experience is not in any way a unique one.
Approximately 1 in 5 Australians has a disability, and it is estimated that 80-85% of these disabilities are invisible. Therefore, a large proportion of students are facing added challenges that may hinder them from participating in university to the extent and quality that they would like. When a disability is not immediately apparent to an observer, people often assume that a person is fully healthy and that any additional support they may be seeking is either unnecessary or unfairly draining resources from those who require it more. These damaging social stigmas cause irreparable damage, often bleeding into people’s sense of self-worth and confidence. This prompts many individuals with invisible disabilities to neglect their own needs and not seek adequate support services out of fear of reprimand and judgement. Further, these social stigmas often fuel internalised guilt that their disability is not severe enough to warrant support. Invisible disabilities encompass an incredibly wide range of conditions that can affect individuals and their ability to participate at university in a myriad of ways. Difficulties attending classes, meeting deadlines, completing coursework, and participating in classes all pose the danger of hindering someone’s ability to successfully complete their degree. However, it is also important to acknowledge that for many with invisible disabilities, these struggles go beyond academia and infiltrate their social lives. Participating in clubs and societies as well as other social activities comes with its own challenges, and the stigmas surrounding invisible disabilities often mean people are judged for certain behaviours, such as leaving events early. The harms caused by a lack of knowledge and education surrounding invisible disabilities and the stigmas this perpetuates cause immense harm to a large number of students. They are forced to not only contend with the struggles that accompany living with a disability, but to contend with a world in which they are misunderstood and not supported.
Ultimately, students living with invisible disabilities are forced to exist in environments that often do not fully cater towards their needs. Difficulties accessing support systems, as well as social stigma, means that accessing education becomes an often-intense struggle. Increasing awareness and empathy is an integral step towards ensuring accessibility and understanding. I encourage all students struggling with a disability to speak up for their needs and access any available support systems that they require. After all, just because something is unseen does not mean it is unimportant or insignificant. All students regardless of disability deserve the opportunity to access education and nurture their passions.
Written by Matilda Davies
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