Invisible Disabilities

Invisible disabilities—such as learning disabilities, attention deficits, autism spectrum disorders, psychiatric impairments, Tourette's syndrome, seizure conditions—are not easily noticed. And, often individuals with these conditions do not disclose them. Therefore, in educational and work environments, it is good for practitioners to keep in mind that some people with whom they interact may have these conditions so that they can create school and employment situations that are welcoming and accessible to individuals from these populations.

Resources

DO-IT has created a collection of publications and videos that can increase awareness regarding invisible disabilities, accommodations, and universal design. They often link to other resources as well. Reviewing the following products is a good place to start.

• Academic Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities - guidelines for instructors.
• Academic Accommodations for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities - guidelines for instructors.
• Invisible Disabilities and Postsecondary Education - strategies to help students with learning disabilities, attention deficits, and other invisible disabilities achieve success in college.
• Part of Me, Not All of Me - teens with disabilities share their interests, activities, and other aspects of their lives showing that their disabilities do not define who they are.
• Working Together: Computers and People with Learning Disabilities - students and workers with learning disabilities demonstrate computer-based tools and strategies.

Universal design

Universal design strategies can make education and employment more welcoming and accessible to everyone, including those with invisible disabilities. Here are a few DO-IT publications that provide an introduction to universal design.

• Applications of Universal Design in Education - a summary of applications and examples of universal design to instruction, services, information technology, and physical spaces.
• Equal Access: Universal Design of Instruction - a checklist to maximize the learning of all students.
• Universal Design in Education: Principles and Applications - applications of universal design to educational settings at all levels.
• Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice - real-life examples of how universal design can create inclusive instruction, student services, physical spaces, and information technology at higher education institutions.
• Universal Design of Instruction: Definition, Principles, Guidelines, and Examples - designing instruction to maximize the learning of all students.