The Invisible Disabilities Advocate - Helping People Understand Chronic Illness and Pain

Often the most difficult part of living with a disabling illness or injury is the lack of understanding the person encounters. Since most living with a chronic condition do not always "look" sick to us, we find ourselves struggling to believe their limitations are real. Even when our friend or family member tells us they are unable work, attend a gathering, shop, cook, clean, etc., we often disregard what they are saying, because we think they "look" fine! 

Let's face it, most people cannot comprehend what it is like to be sick or in pain for weeks, months or even years, because we are used to going to the doctor, taking some medication and soon feeling better. Consequently, unless we are educated about what life changes a chronic condition can bring, we may inadvertently treat our loved one as if they just need to "snap out of it" or "stop complaining." As a result, the only way to transform our well-meaning, but hurtful view is to understand that the illness can debilitate a person's body against their will.

Therefore, The Invisible Disabilities Advocate strives to explain that even though the symptoms from chronic illness, pain and injury may not always be obvious to us, these "invisible disabilities" are very real.

IDA offers books, informative articles and pamphlets and the booklet, But You LOOK Good! that can be handed out to friends, family, support groups and even co-workers, in order to help them to understand the challenges and difficulties of living with a disease or injury that can be debilitating. But You LOOK Good! serves as a guide to understanding, encouraging and helping those who are limited by their condition. Moreover, IDA helps people see the courage and strength their loved has displayed, despite their losses, limitations and daily challenges.

In 2008, IDA launched our new Social Network, My Invisible Disabilities Community where people can Create Their Own Page, Add Friends, post in the Forum, Join Groups and more!

IDA's desire is to establish awareness of the incredible courage people living with chronic illness and pain display, despite their circumstances. In order to develop a greater sense of understanding, IDA  utilizes the experiences and knowledge of those living with a debilitating condition. Our goal is not to create a sense of pity, but compassion for a person's losses, respect for their courage and belief that their limitations -though unwanted- are very real.

Let us not treat those who are ill or have been injured as if they are just being lazy or malingering. Instead, let us take a closer look at what fortitude and strength it takes to live with a physical limitation! After all, they are displaying a perseverance through personal loss and an endurance despite disappointment that most people will never know!

IDA is joined by several business and medical professionals to reach out to the world with IDA's message.

Visit The Invisible Disabilities Advocate Today!

www.MyIDA.org

www.InvisibleDisabilities.org

©1996, 2008 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

IDA is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization