The question guiding my research is disclosing invisible disabilities. Invisible disabilities are disabilities not immediately apparent to others. Although not apparent to others, due to their unrecognizable traits, invisible disabilities are ever present for the impacted individuals. Examples of invisible disabilities include ADHD, epilepsy, chronic pain, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, and diabetes. This is just a small list of diagnoses that impact many individual’s lives. These examples have a variety of symptoms that are worthwhile to study because having an invisible disability compels an individual to weigh the risks of sharing or concealing their diagnosis. Why my interest? I have an invisible disability, so it is a personal interest of mine.
I have personal connections in the world of disabilities. People often make assumptions about people living with disabilities, which can be isolating at times and negatively impact relationships. Having a disability and needing an IEP in school was somewhat stigmatizing. Therefore, to avoid this stigma, avoiding disclosing is self-protection. So, the professional question will always be…do you disclose…when do you disclose, and I suppose how do you disclose? This research I’m doing may always be with me well into the world beyond this course.
As we moved into Unit 2, I expanded my research from strictly pre-employment interest of disclosure to after employment disclosure. Both areas present somewhat similar issues of concern.
I also found another area of interest in my research searches, individuals with visible disabilities that became invisible due to COVID and working virtually. They now face the same quandary as far as disclosure to employers. That’s an issue I didn’t expect.
Frankly, I’m trying to keep all the pieces of this research portfolio organized. At this rate, I may need to increase computer storage :).