Invisible Disabilities Week: Celebrating Strength You Can’t Always See (Oct 19-25)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:41:13 -0400
accessibility, advocacy, awareness, disabilities, disability, empathy, hidden, inclusion, invisible, sunflower, support, umbc, understanding

Did You Know Not All Disabilities Are Visible?

This week (October 19–25) is Invisible Disabilities Week — a time to raise awareness and support for those living with non-visible conditions.

An invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that may not be apparent from the outside but can significantly affect a person's daily life, movements, senses, or activities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple yet powerful symbol that lets people discreetly share that they have an invisible disability and may need extra time, understanding, or support. The movement began in the United Kingdom and is now recognized across Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland — and it's spreading worldwide.

If you notice someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please show kindness, patience, and understanding. Displaying a sunflower symbol on your office door, reception area, or workspace helps communicate that people with hidden disabilities are welcome and supported.

Living with a hidden disability can make everyday life more challenging — and these challenges are not always easy to recognize or understand. Wearing the Sunflower is a way to promote empathy and inclusion.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program officially launched at UMBC in Spring 2025!
Learn how you can get a sunflower sticker or button to show your support for hidden disabilities here: https://sds.umbc.edu/umbc-sunflower-program/. You can also follow the UMBC Sunflower group here.

Spotlight on Maryland: "Eric's ID Law"

Maryland has also made great strides in recognizing invisible disabilities thanks to Eric's ID Law.

On October 1, 2025, several people gathered at the MVA's White Oak location to celebrate the launch of new Maryland ID cards featuring a butterfly logo above the words "Hidden Disability." The first card was issued to Eric Carpenter-Grantham, a Montgomery College student with high-functioning autism who inspired the law.

Eric's advocacy reminds us that awareness, empathy, and education can transform lives — one symbol at a time. Read the full story here.
Image Credit: Hidden Disabilities Sunflower