Many people have hidden disabilities and might not know about the accommodations they are entitled to at work or school. You are not alone in this. I have personally experienced these challenges as a post-traditional graduate student. I have also worked as a tutor, assisting students with writing, study skills, organizational skills, and time management. I have seen many students facing similar challenges, and together, we found successful solutions.
In this blog post, we will discuss what constitutes a hidden disability and how to find resources to manage it better if you have been diagnosed with one. Knowing about these resources can help you find the support you may not know about. It is important to note that students with hidden disabilities often encounter negative beliefs, inaccessible resources and materials, and genuine concerns about discrimination and labeling. These resources are free, and you can access them without shame.
Hidden disabilities cover a wide range of mental and physical health conditions that are not immediately apparent. They include autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning disabilities, sensory and processing difficulties, neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments. Some well-known hidden disabilities include depression, anxiety, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Other conditions that fall under the hidden disability nomenclature are diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma.
Many people do not realize they may qualify for accommodations for hidden disabilities at school or work. This is particularly relevant for adults not diagnosed as children or non-traditional learners. You might wonder how to get accommodations if you or your child is eligible. The process is simple: you ask your doctor or specialist to write a letter to your school or workplace requesting accommodations for your hidden disability.
Standard accommodations provided in schools may include recording lectures, having access to note-takers, taking tests in a distraction-free environment, and receiving extra time for assignments and exams. This might involve providing ergonomic chairs, noise-canceling headphones, adaptive phone equipment, access to a quiet room, or flexible work schedules in a workplace setting.
This reminds you that you are not obligated to explain why you need accommodations at work or school. If you suspect that you or your child may have a hidden disability, speak with a doctor or mental health professional to consider obtaining an official diagnosis for accommodations.
Below are some valuable resources if you suspect that you or someone you care about may have a hidden disability and be eligible for accommodations at work or school under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA.) Following the doctor's recommendation, accommodations will be determined, and a letter will be provided for you to submit to your school or workplace to receive the necessary support.
Resources:
References
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (1990). https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_168a.html
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