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How invisible disabilities affect adults in the workplace

Texas is a state known for its welcoming nature, especially for disabled people in the workplace. However, you might be living with undiagnosed disabilities, mental health ailments or other conditions you feel there’s no need for you to disclose to your employer. As more employees struggle with these situations, many workers want employers to help those with invisible disabilities.

Invisible disability examples

Invisible disabilities come in many forms. Most experts classify invisible disabilities as any condition that isn’t noticeable. Recent studies found that up to 30% of college graduates in the workforce may be living with this type of disability. An invisible disability often affects someone mentally, but not always.

Examples of invisible disabilities can include:

  • Chronic pain
  • Agoraphobia
  • ADD and ADHD
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Dyslexia
  • Auditory processing disorders
  • Visual motor deficits

Invisible disabilities in the workplace

While invisible disabilities stay hidden from others, that certainly doesn’t mean these conditions are easy to live with daily. Sometimes, employees aren’t even aware of hidden disabilities. Understandably, most employees have reasons for not being open about invisible disabilities. First, employees may fear some form of retaliation for being so forthcoming. Individuals may also withhold disability-related information because they don’t believe employers will care.

Fortunately, the truth is the opposite of what most employees believe. If your employer refuses to provide reasonable accommodations or retaliates against you, it’s committing employment discrimination. Hopefully, your employers take all reasonable requests seriously. Businesses that aren’t changing with the times can face serious legal consequences.

Attitudes in most workplaces are changing for the better. Many employers are working to establish environments where companies appropriately help those with invisible disabilities.