Assuming a Person Does Not Have A Disability Because They Look Visually Normal
Ableism, a form of discrimination that favours able-bodied individuals, often stems from misconceptions and stereotypes about disabilities. One of the most pervasive assumptions is that a person pushing a wheelchair must be able-bodied, while the person sitting in it must be disabled. This mindset not only simplifies the diverse experiences of people with disabilities but also perpetuates harmful attitudes that marginalize those who don’t fit the conventional image of disability.
Why Someone Might Push a Wheelchair Instead of Sitting in It
Disability is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Many people who use wheelchairs can stand or walk short distances, and pushing a wheelchair instead of sitting in it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Chronic Pain or Fatigue Management: Some people with disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, may alternate between walking and using a wheelchair to manage pain or conserve energy. Pushing their chair allows them to control their mobility based on how they feel at any given moment.
- Intermittent Disabilities: Certain conditions, like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), cause symptoms that fluctuate throughout the day. Individuals may stand and push their wheelchair when they feel stable, but sit when they need extra support.
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: People recovering from injuries or surgery might use a wheelchair as part of their rehabilitation. They may walk and push the chair as part of their therapy but need it nearby when they tire.
- Mental Health Conditions: Some mental health conditions, such as anxiety or PTSD, may make sitting in a wheelchair uncomfortable due to sensory issues, the need for movement, or a desire to feel in control. Pushing the chair can provide a sense of security while still having it available for use.
- Balance and Stability: Some individuals may have balance or coordination issues that make walking challenging but not impossible. They push their wheelchairs for extra stability and support, using it as a walking aid.
- Accessibility and Autonomy: For those who can walk but have difficulty navigating long distances, uneven terrain, or crowded spaces, a wheelchair can be a helpful tool to maintain autonomy. Pushing their chair instead of sitting may be a way to keep it close and available.
The Problem with Assumptions: A Form of Ableism
Ableism often arises from assumptions about what disability “looks like.” Seeing someone pushing a wheelchair instead of sitting in it might lead others to assume there is nothing wrong with the person. This kind of judgment overlooks the invisible or less obvious aspects of many disabilities.
Below are examples of ableism and how these assumptions can manifest:
- Questioning Disability Status: Comments like “You don’t look disabled” or “Why aren’t you sitting in the chair?” dismiss the person’s lived experience and imply that they need to prove their disability.
- Invalidating Invisible Disabilities: People with chronic pain, mental health conditions, or other non-visible disabilities often face skepticism, especially when their needs fluctuate. Assuming someone must always be seated in a wheelchair to be disabled ignores these realities.
- Denial of Accommodation Needs: If someone appears “normal” at first glance, they may be denied necessary accommodations or assistance, such as accessible parking or priority seating, which can be detrimental to their health and well-being.
- Stigma and Judgment: Ableism can lead to unwarranted judgments, like assuming someone is lazy or seeking attention if they occasionally use mobility aids. This stigma can discourage people from using the tools they need to manage their conditions.
- Exclusion from Accessibility Features: Public spaces and services often cater only to visible disabilities, excluding those whose needs aren’t immediately apparent. This oversight can lead to further marginalization and exclusion.
Why Assumptions About Disability Are Harmful
Ableism thrives on assumptions, often fueled by the belief that disability must be visible to be valid. This mentality:
- Erases Individual Experiences: No two disabilities are alike. By assuming all disabilities are apparent, we erase the unique and diverse experiences of individuals who don’t fit the traditional image of what disability looks like.
- Creates Barriers to Access: When people assume there is nothing wrong with someone based on appearance alone, they may withhold support, deny access to accommodations, or treat the person dismissively.
- Perpetuates Stereotypes: Stereotypes about disability can limit opportunities for employment, social inclusion, and personal relationships, creating a society that is less inclusive and more judgmental.
- Triggers Anxiety and Self-Doubt: Constantly having to justify one’s disability can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and reluctance to seek help or use mobility aids when needed.
Understanding Invisible Diseases: Breaking the Stigma of Unseen Disabilities
Invisible diseases—also known as invisible disabilities—are conditions that significantly impair a person’s daily life but are not immediately apparent to others. Unlike visible disabilities, these conditions often go unnoticed, leading to misunderstanding, stigma, and judgment from those who assume that someone “looks healthy” or “normal.” Unfortunately, this misconception can cause undue stress for people with invisible illnesses, particularly in situations where they require accommodations like accessible parking.
The Struggle of Invisible Diseases
People living with invisible diseases face unique challenges. Since their symptoms are not visible, others may question the legitimacy of their condition, make insensitive remarks, or assume they are faking their disability. These assumptions lead to ableism and can cause feelings of isolation, anxiety, and frustration for those affected.
A common scenario where this occurs is in accessible parking (Blue Badge parking in the UK). Individuals with invisible disabilities often need accessible parking spaces due to mobility issues, chronic pain, or fatigue, even though their disabilities may not be outwardly apparent. This can cause conflict or judgment from others who expect to see someone with a visible disability, such as the use of a wheelchair or walking aid.
Blue Badge Parking: A Vital Resource for People with Invisible Disabilities
The Blue Badge scheme allows people with severe mobility issues to park closer to their destination, providing easier access to services and public spaces. While many assume that these spaces are only for individuals with visible disabilities, the reality is that people with a wide range of invisible illnesses also qualify for a Blue Badge.
For someone with an invisible disease, parking closer to their destination may be essential to avoid excessive fatigue, manage chronic pain, or reduce symptoms of dizziness or breathlessness. However, when others see someone using a Blue Badge but not displaying a visible disability, they may react with hostility, assuming the person is abusing the system. Unfortunately, these reactions stem from ignorance and perpetuate stigma around invisible disabilities.
Examples of Invisible Diseases
Invisible diseases come in many forms, including physical, neurological, and psychological conditions. Below are 30 examples of invisible diseases, highlighting the broad range of illnesses that can affect someone’s daily life without being immediately noticeable to others:
- Fibromyalgia – A chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) – Causes extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and worsens with physical or mental activity.
- Lupus – An autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, fatigue, and organ damage.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – A neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing fatigue, pain, and mobility issues.
- Crohn’s Disease – A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition.
- Ulcerative Colitis – Another form of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – A gastrointestinal disorder that causes pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) – A group of connective tissue disorders that cause joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and skin fragility.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) – A condition that affects blood flow, causing dizziness, fainting, and rapid heart rate upon standing.
- Chronic Migraine – Severe, recurrent headaches that can cause sensitivity to light, sound, and nausea.
- Celiac Disease – An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that affects the small intestine, causing digestive issues and malabsorption of nutrients.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune condition that causes painful inflammation in the joints and can affect mobility.
- Osteoarthritis – A degenerative joint disease causing pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
- Asthma – A respiratory condition that can cause breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis – A type of arthritis that affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness.
- Epilepsy – A neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures, which are not always visible.
- Myasthenia Gravis – A neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.
- Lyme Disease – An infection that can cause fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues.
- Meniere’s Disease – An inner ear disorder that causes dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Endometriosis – A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing chronic pain.
- Dysautonomia – A disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
- Interstitial Cystitis – A chronic condition that causes bladder pressure and pain.
- Psoriatic Arthritis – An inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis that affects the joints and skin.
- Cerebral Atrophy – A condition that causes the loss of brain cells and can affect memory, movement, and cognition.
- Hyperthyroidism/Hypothyroidism – Disorders of the thyroid gland that can cause fatigue, weight changes, and mood swings.
- Depression – A mental health disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest.
- Anxiety Disorders – Conditions that cause excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and dizziness.
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – A mental health condition triggered by traumatic events, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbness.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – A developmental condition affecting communication and behavior, often without visible signs.
Judgment and Misunderstanding: The Real-World Impact
When someone with an invisible disability uses a Blue Badge parking spot, they may be subjected to harsh looks, unsolicited comments, or outright confrontations. These reactions can be disheartening and stressful, especially for someone already dealing with the daily challenges of managing their condition.
Here’s why some people react this way:
- Lack of Awareness: Many people simply don’t understand that not all disabilities are visible. They associate disability with wheelchairs, crutches, or other physical aids, ignoring the existence of invisible diseases.
- Entitlement and Anger: Some individuals feel entitled to question others, believing that only those who meet their idea of a “real disability” should use accessible parking.
- Cultural Stereotypes: Society has long held ableist views, reinforcing the belief that people must look visibly unwell to be considered disabled.
Combatting Stigma and Educating the Public
To combat this ignorance, it’s important to spread awareness about invisible disabilities and the challenges faced by those living with them. Educating the public about the vast spectrum of disabilities will foster understanding and reduce the stigma around accommodations like Blue Badge parking.
People should understand that:
- Disability is not always visible: Someone may look “healthy” but still deal with debilitating symptoms that require assistance.
- Not all disabilities involve mobility issues: Chronic fatigue, pain, respiratory conditions, and neurological issues may not affect someone’s ability to walk short distances but still warrant the use of accessible parking.
- Judgment hurts: Criticizing or confronting someone based on their appearance can cause emotional harm and worsen the psychological effects of living with a chronic illness.
Conclusion
Invisible diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and they deserve the same respect and understanding as those with visible disabilities. Blue Badge parking is a critical accommodation that helps individuals with mobility limitations, whether visible or invisible, navigate the world with dignity and independence. By challenging assumptions and promoting empathy, we can create a more inclusive society that recognizes the diverse and complex realities of disability.
Understanding and challenging ableism begins with acknowledging that disability is not always visible. By questioning our assumptions, we create a more inclusive and empathetic society where people with disabilities are seen, respected, and accommodated based on their individual needs—not their appearance. Whether someone is pushing a wheelchair or sitting in it, their disability is valid, and their needs are real. It’s time we all do better to recognize and support the diverse experiences of people with disabilities.
This happened to me yesterday when I heard a customer voicing her opinion about another customer pushing a wheelchair rather than sitting in it and asking the question” So what disabilities do your groceries have, that you need to push a wheelchair”? I wanted to say something considering I suffer from an invisible disease (MS), but I have learned only to voice my opinion via a keyboard and avoid the onset of an argument if just in case the other person does not agree with you.
Further Reading
- The harmful ableist language you unknowingly use – BBC Worklife
- Ableism: What It Means, History, Types, Examples, How It’s Harmful (verywellmind.com)
- Disablism and ableism | Disability charity Scope UK
- https://disabledentrepreneur.uk/ableism
- https://disabledentrepreneur.uk/disabilitydiscrimination
