I have an invisible disability and because of this I need extra, time, easier accessibility, accommodations, and to be believed. The IDA helps bring light to those like me. They not only help bring visibility and information to others but help bring better legislation to help us. After learning soo much about the IDA I couldn’t help but to get involved and support an organisation that actually cares and actively helps those in its community. I couldn’t be more proud to be an ambassador.
The impact of the Invisible Disabilities Association is undeniable. Through years of watching the organization, I have seen just how many people it has reached and helped through some of life's most difficult challenges. As the organization continues to grow, I have no doubts that its amazing impact will, too. The Invisible Disabilities Association reminds all people that they are valuable no matter their circumstances or conditions. It is a message that I believe in wholeheartedly and is needed now more than ever.
Invisible Disabilities Association's mission aligns with handfuls of non-profit organizations that have the same mission. IDA could leverage its strengths and resources to achieve greater impact by working with other non-profits on projects or initiatives that benefit the mission. For a long-standing non-profit, IDA has failed to meet realistic expectations.
Through my wife, Cathy Turner, I learned about IDA.
I’m in awe of all y’all have accomplished.
We follow your work because Cathy has an invisible disability.
My name is Katiya Xiong and I am the founder of DEEP Coalition, a global movement on empathy. I am more than happy to share my honest thoughts on Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), an amazing nonprofit that was created to debunk myths around people living with disabilities. The impact that IDA does for individuals, families, businesses, and communities is no different than shedding light on the truths that should have been taught to us early on whether it be at home, school, or work. In the many years of my support of IDA's mission, I say with great pride and love that the organization's efforts are necessary to creating meaningful change for a better world. How is IDA special or why IDA? Because the organization has a vision of the future that will help those 'who are able' to better support, understand, and embrace those who are living with invisible disabilities: ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. My first introduction to IDA was about a decade ago when I had the pleasure of recruiting the nonprofit's founder, Wayne Connell, to speak at our annual summit; to this day, I can still remember some of the takeaway lines from our audience of 500, "I have always imagined disability to be a physical condition. It never occurred to me that maybe what my naked eyes are telling me can be so wrong. We need a better identification system than the wheelchair symbol to better represent all disabilities." As someone who continues to follow IDA's social activities from nearby and afar, I can attest to the need for this nonprofit's deep work and how important the ID Card programs and educational events are needed across cultures and regions. My final words are, "Choose IDA and everyone wins."
Having fibromyalgia & arthritis, the work and advocacy that Invisible Disabilities does is invaluable. They are a strong & needed voice for so many of us who have disabilities you cannot see.
I have followed IDA because of the effective efforts and challenging work done by this organization. The new awareness of what invisible disability means is a daily focus of Wayne Connell and Jess Stainbrook.
They have been successful in getting State level approval for adding a signifier to an individuals' drivers license to help those with i.d.a. get special attention when necessary.
I look forward to their guest speakers shared on many platforms; anyone can benefit from the webinars if they choose to follow IDA.
The annual gala to recognize others and how they, with their own invisible disability share in the quest to help us all understand the impact of seeing un.see.able disabilities in those we encounter daily. We are not here to judge but to serve.
The Invisible Disabilities Assocation serves as a source of inspiration, community and authenticity. As a person with multiple invisible disabilities, I have been impacted by their existence, in addition to the resources and opportunities to serve. As an ambassador, I get to operate as a modicum for outreach in the various roles I play as an advocate.
Having lived with multiple invisible and disabilities since I was born, I have felt alone my entire life because there really isn't anything out there that is truly representing us. When I stumbled upon the invisible disability association, I was thrilled to see the work they are doing. They are truly taking continuous action to make sure that our voices are heard, that we are invisible no more and giving us the access and the support that we need as we navigate this, journey.
A great initiative with great founders who have fantastic hearts and the drive to bring invisible disabilities to the forefront. A worthy cause that everyone should be aware of.
I have the privilege of knowing and working with Wayne Connell and seeing first hand the amazing things this associate does. They are brining to light issues that people struggle with and help to bring support, awareness, and kindness to this often forgotten about community. As a former caretaker myself, I am very grateful to this associate for all they do to support this community.
I found out about IDA right before Invisible Disabilities Week this year. I've been living with an invisible disability all my life and only recently learned that this nonprofit exists. They are doing incredible things for the invisible disabilities community by advocating and raising awareness for folks like myself, and their #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek campaign really made a difference on that front, bringing the existence of invisible disabilities to the forefront of our news feeds on social media. At their awards gala that night, I learned that they are working to establish an "invisible disabilities ID card" which would help folks with invisible disabilities to be recognized and potentially offered help when they are out and about wearing their ID tag. Their efforts to have these tags officially recognized is commendable and deserves all the support they can get!
Thank you, IDA!
This organization is the epitome of empathy. Better yet, the founders speak from experience by shedding light on those who fight every day to be understood in light of their invisible disabilities. It’s an honor to work with the IDA team.
Few of us who are lucky enough to be ambulatory and lucid ever consider the issues associated with being disabled. The disabilities incurred by my wife from the negligence of others, that she must live with daily, are simply not in the line of sight of the people who observe her strength and benefit from her talents. To a trusted few, the story is told, and the pain and limits are understood. However, by and large, the world has no empathy for that which it cannot see.
When I heard of the Invisible Disabilities Association, I was pleased to hear that others were willing to give voice to the millions who persevere through unrecognized pain, or conditions that disrupt their lives. Invisible disabilities are unselective and affect us without regard to age, color or politics.
I advocate for the support of the work of Invisible Disabilities Association and urge all to take advantage of the upcoming event Love Ideas Summit on November 16-21.
Let me tell you the real inside story about IDA founder Wayne Connell...He’s kinda crazy. He is a wild-eyed optimist. He is a workaholic. IDA helps hundreds-of-thousands of people, and for 20 years of its 24-year existence Wayne has run it completely on his own. Five days a week he works a full-time “real” job, and at night he puts in several hours on IDA. And he works on IDA over most weekends. And I don’t think he’s taken a vacation in 5 years. Okay, so here’s the goal: We all need to join together and figure out a way to get Wayne fired from his full-time job...so he can devote 100% of his time to helping the world. Here’s the plan: We need to join his army of volunteers and help raise a gazillion dollars for IDA so Wayne can do more of what he was born to do!
Greg Godek
Author of the #1 bestseller “1001 Ways to be Romantic”
Founder TheRomanceProject.com
Co-creator with Wayne of the Love Ideas Summit (LoveIdeas.org)
What a God given joy to be able to share what you have with others WOW!
If you have ever been down and out and so sick that you could not even move without a helping hand - then you kinda know what I am talking about.
I believe this is what the Invisible Disability Association is all about.
Being able to help those who are not able to help themselves.
What an honor to be a helping hand. You can smile within itself.
I find the Invisible Disabilities Association to a be credible and friendly source for help for encouraging people living with Invisible Disabilities. The hearts of the founders and people involved with IDA are amazing! They connected me to resources and people that can help and support me navigating the pain and struggles of daily living with an invisible disability. Thanks for all you do IDA. And for BELIEVING me!
LOVE this organization. Was so touched by all of the efforts that went into their 2018 gala. They talked about how
Alaska has taken their logo to designate those with invisible disabilities on their state drivers licenses. We need this everywhere! Thanks to Wayne, Sherri, and all of their ambassadors for this organization.
I had the opportunity to work on a project with Invisible Disabilities. The founders and the board of directors are some of the most caring, well-meaning people I have ever met. In the process of working with them, I learned much about the lives of people with invisible disabilities.
Daily life can be extremely challenging for people dealing with chronic pain and illnesses that are not seen by others. Educating the public about invisible disabilities was a daunting challenge from the start, but founders Wayne and Sherri Connell were not intimidated by the immensity of the task. They boldly continue to rise up against adversity on behalf of their membership and this critical mission.
I have great respect for IDA, its leadership team, mission, and goals. Bravo and best wishes for your continued success.
Previous Stories
Invisible Disabilities Association is doing incredible work helping to bring attention to the millions of people in the U.S. and around the world that have physical, mental or neurological conditions that limit either their movements, senses, or activities but their condition is invisible to the onlooker. Unfortunately the very fact that this condition is invisible leads to misunderstandings, false perceptions and judgments. I experienced this first-hand when my mother became ill with severe stomach pain and doctors kept misdiagnosing and treating her for a heart condition. She nearly died with a super bug before they realized what it was. Now she suffers with many other conditions as a result even though she appears healthy to others. Invisible Disabilities has really helped me understand how to be more supportive as a caretaker and also has made me feel less alone.
I have been living with a rare eye disease since the age of 5, going into the hospital monthly to get steroid shots in my eyes. At the age of 12, I lost sight in both of my eyes. Three months later I gained partial sight back in my right eye. In my early 30's I was diagnosed with Lupus and dealt with chronic pain. In this journey I found myself slipping in and out of the "Invisible shame" I tagged myself with. One day I was blessed to meet the founders of Invisible Disabilities Association, Wayne & Sherri Connell. They touched my life in a profound way by showing me unconditional love and introduced me to to this amazing Org.
This has helped me so much by helping me understand not only what I go through but also my friends and family! Thank you so very much!!!
This organization is trying to trademark the term " invisible disability" You can't trademark our identities!
*zero stars*
Invisible disabilities should not have to include (tm). I am a person. I have invisible disabilities. "Invisibible Disabilities" is not a name to be claimed or made up company title. The term has existed long before this org. Invisibile disability is a part of my identity. My identity, who I am, and my disabilities should not be trademarked. Shame on this organization. It clearly has no true understanding of disabilities or moral ethics.
The Invisible Disabilities Association does not connect people and organizations - rather the IDA silences people and organizations. The IDA seeks to build a wall around Invisible Disability (tm) - and the king at the center is Wayne Connell. Watch out, if you don't fit into Wayne's brand of Invisible Disability - then this organization may try to silence you.
The Invisible Disabilities Association has no logical right to the term "invisible disabilities."
I have an invisible disability. This is part of who I am. My identity is not for sale.
The term "invisible disability" has been in use for about a century. The fact that the IDA were able to copyright the term drives home the point that there is too little awareness of invisible disabilities--and the IDA is profiting from this. Adding injury to insult, they drove the Invisible Disability Project off of Facebook; a community of 50,000 people. They have reportedly sent cease and desist letters to others who use this established, descriptive term. The US Government has been using this term (through the ADA, EEOC, ODEP, etc.) since long before the IDA got their copyright. Is the IDA going to sue them, too?
The IDA protests that their stakeholders and Facebook followers have not expressed concern about the trademark. Yet they block their critics from their Facebook page!
It appears that the Invisible Disabilities Association is more interested in making a "brand," raising money, and selling t-shirts than helping people with invisible disabilities.
I cannot imagine a non-ableist argument that would rationalize how this organization has conducted itself around their recent trademarking of the general term "invisible disabilities". Simply by trademarking the term (which I've read they attempted to do once before and were denied, they were really committed to this), they cop-opted countless voices, people who use this term as a part of their identity.
IDA then reportedly used their trademark protection to silence whole groups of people, removing and blocking their access to media (Facebook takedown). And now I'm seeing how their representatives are responding to criticism from individuals in the community - tipping their hand to show an ableist, "we know what's best for you" attitude.
If you're researching IDA here because you're wondering if they are worth donating your time, money, or services to, I would recommend that you keep looking. It seems that IDA does not care about the very people they claim to represent.
The way that this organization and its representative have talked to and about Disabled people and invisible disabilities demonstrates profound ignorance of and contempt for our community, our bodies, and our political identities. Nothing about us without us and so nothing with the Invisible Disabilities Association.
This organization is clearly acting in detriment to the very people they claim to want to help. Whether this is a calculated move or a gaffe, I cannot trust them to represent me or people like me.
They trademarked the phrase "invisible disabilities"; harming the community they claim to support. They're ableist hypocrites masquerading as a "charity". Nothing about us without us!
My identity is not for you to trademark. Don't profess to care for a group if your whole MO is to take out organisations that actually help us.
After I learned that the Invisible Disabilities Association had trademarked the term 'Invisible Disabilities', I contacted them via Twitter to ask why, as the term is not a brand, it is a disabled identity. I was blocked almost immediately. I was contacted by a member of the Association's board, whose expertise is in Strategic Communications. She felt it necessary to chastise me for complaining about the IDA and remarked that I did not personally know any member of the board. She continued to harangue other disabled people who are also upset about how our identities as people with invisible disabilities has essentially been commercialised by the IDA. The IDA has blocked disabled people from its official Twitter account. Instead of engaging with the concerns of the large online community of disabled activists and self advocates, the IDA has thought it fit to ignore us and our concerns. If a disability organisation, which is composed mostly of non-disabled board members (there is little information on its website to suggest otherwise), feels the need to wilfully ignore the voices and concerns of the people it purports to represent, that organisation cannot be regarded as working for the good of those people. It is highly disappointing that the IDA thinks itself above reproach, and seeks to silence and suppress any dissent or criticism of its practices, when such dissent is emanating from the very people the IDA claims to support.
Since they've trademarked the phrase "invisible disabilities" which is a common descriptor and something many disabled people consider an identity, they have entirely alienated the community they claim to want to help. They are shutting down Facebook groups, blocking Twitter users and effectively infuriating their audience by enforcing a trademark that never should have been approved in the first place.
I have had Peripheral Neuropathy since 2006. I then experienced Thyroid Storm ( Graves Dz) in 2009 causing Hypertension and diabetes. My Neuropathy is in my feet and hands causing me to suffer pain that is only relieved by Gabapentin and Cymbalta. If I forget or delay my meds, I suffer! My balance is affected, my hand grip weakens and I sometime drop things ie: glasses of water. The meds cause me to have brain fog, fatigue, sequencing and short term memory loss. I suffer from blurred vision, leg cramps, burning feet, stabbing pain, and restless legs. I lost my job of 20 years, 2 years ago in Behavioral Health Admissions because I couldn't keep up the fast pace I once easily managed. I was diagnosed with Mycotoxin exposure 10 years ago due to water damage to our home which has been remediated. I have an autoimmune disorder and tested + for Lupis genetics and inability to clear toxins thru my liver like most people. I use Cholestrymine to help bind the toxins to clear thru my colen. I had my gallbladder removed due to acute non alcoholic pancreatitis last May. I suffer from Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia like my mother. It has been a real battle for me. I lost my short term disability a year ago and applied for disability. I am now appealing. It has been a real financial burden for my husband and I. It's nice to know there are others out there, like me suffering these invisible diseases that are coming together to share their experiences and have an advocate voice!
wayne 04/01/2016
Merise, We are so sorry to hear of all of the difficulties you experience daily in dealing with chronic illness and pain. As you mentioned, their are many that share similar experiences. You can connect with some of them on our social network, www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org. The Invisible Disabilities Association was founded to encourage, educate and connect people such as your self. We want to be your voice to the world, shouting that them that you matter and we hope you envision along with us a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More! Thank you for your review. We would like the opportunity to address any of your concerns regarding our organization and the reason for a one star review. Wayne Connell Invisible Disabilities Association
I love the fact that there is a global website whereas members can be in a safe and secure environment to learn, support and share experiences dealing with a variety of health issues.
I wish that more members would feel more comfortable giving general info about themselves so others can share and support more. Do not want anyone to feel pressured; however, if and when anyone feels that comfortable, Inspire's IDA is the ideal website to come to.
Inspire, thank you for this much needed website so everyone can have a voice. God placed me here on earth to be a blessing to someone else. I, then, will receive tenfold.
Again, thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Invisible disabilities are real disabilities too. This organization does a lot to help people who suffer from illnesses that are not immediately apparent. They need help and support to continue to serve others.
This is an excellent nonprofit that does amazing awareness, support, and much more for invisible awareness. I would write more but due to my invisible illness it is hard to write. Much gratitude for all their efforts!
I have an invisible illness and thanks to IDA, more and more people are starting to understand what it's like to have to go through it. More doctors are starting to be more sympathetic and understanding but most importantly willing to treat us. So thank you.
I follow this organization on Facebook because they provide needed information, support and a forum for people like me. I am able to tell others about my invisible disabilities and struggles, while also learning more about others like myself. We are able to give each other hope and helpful advice but most importantly to know that others care. It's heart wrenching to see how many people suffer from diseases that most people (including doctors) don't care about. Our suffering is real and debilitating and we want the world to know!
I found this group through RSDS / CRPS site. People on this site are very welcoming and supportive of everyone else. Can get advise or just helping get over a bad day. Someone is always ready with a kind word and knowing you arent alone is great. Thanks for allowing me to be a part.
I suffer from chronic repetitive strain injury that is an invisible disability with few signs of injury. It affects the nerves and, in my case, the tendons in both arms. It is extremely painful at times, and made more so due to others not seeing or understanding the difficulties that such 'Invisible' conditions present for a sufferer. The Invisible Disabilities Association has been a great comfort, both emotionally and practically for me since I discovered them. It makes all the difference in the world to know other people who go through the same daily trauma of living with an invisible illness/disability as yourself. It gives you the courage to stay positive and importantly, shows you ways of coping/managing your illness/disability in order to enhance your quality of life. They deserve recognition for the excellent support they provide to thousands of people living with invisible disabilities or illness.
before i found this group of wonderful, caring & supportive people that have many health issues they nor there Dr's understand, i'm so happy to find this group; the Gentle hugs, advise n just reading posts makes u forget about your issues for that moment, i support this group 110% n would never leave it, im so thankful for many individuals on here that support weather its good or bad;;;; feeling blessed for the Invisible Disabilities Association, thanks for being there for so many of us; Keep this group for us and so many more to join for now and the future, Thanks again- Hope Parker :)
Reading, getting advice, and the feeling of not being alone are three of my top reasons IDA has been a part of my life for over a year now. I am chronically ill and to look at me you would not know, except I am very thin and walk around holding my abdomen. I have gained strength and courage from other members of IDA and simply reading some of the stories. Knowing that there are others that understand bring comfort. It is important to me to have this organization, not for any contribution in a monetary sense but more for "moral" support.
I have several chronic illnesses and deal with pain 24/7. IDA has been an important part of my life. Thanks to Wayne and Sherri Connell for starting IDA, I am able to relate to others who are dealing with some of the same illnesses as myself. It's difficult trying to explain what we deal with on a day to day basis to family members as well as friends but IDA helps by putting it all down in black and white. On the outside, you would never know I was ill yet I am. Often I hear, "But you don't look sick." It gets real old. IDA publishes pamphlets that we can give out to family and friends which helps. I have given some of the pamphlets to my doctors. I continue to spread the word about IDA and in my humble opinion, IDA is one of the best advocacy organization around. It's like one big family and I would be literally lost if IDA were to ever close down. We all learn from one another and get helpful tips from our peers. IDA looks out for their members and helps in any way that they can. Due to cognitive issues, I no longer write as well as I use to - putting sentences together etc and that's where IDA helps so much. Wonderful organization for people with invisible and visible disabilities.
The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) reaches out to millions of people like me! People who were once active, but are now dealing with disabling illness or injury. I used to sing and dance in musicals, act in commercials, cheerlead, ride my horse, enjoy my career and I obtained 2 Bachelor Degrees. However, due to Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Lyme Disease, at 27 I was suddenly unable to even care for my daily needs. Not only do I have to face all my losses, but the also disbelief from people who don't understand how much I want to work and care for my own daily needs, because to them I "LOOK" fine. IDA stands behind me and provides helpful booklets and pamphlets for my friends and family. They also have great articles, videos, resources and support where I can meet others batting debilitating conditions.
i have MS and Sherri is a part of my family --- literally! i love her and know the daily routine... i have MS as well and there are good and there are bad days. so many in this world that are not dealing with any kind of 'invisible' disease(s) have no clue how are days are from beginning to end. the message needs to be brought to the public and they should not judge. xo...
So many people have invisible disabilities and suffer, not only from the medical condition that they have, but also from the behavior of friends, family, associates, and strangers who don't believe what they can't see. The Invisible Disabilities Association gives a voice to all of those who need support and help, even though it isn't apparent to others.
I am someone who suffers from multiple invisible disabilities. I have a service dog who assists me through life more than most of the public can understand. I have been turned away from housing, restaurants, and other public places because I don't appear to be disabled. Finally, I have a voice through the Invisable Disablities Association. The public needs to be educated on ALL disabilties, not just the visable ones. Our rights are being violated and I think the IDA will finally protect them. I have nothing but the utmost respect for what they are doing for myself and all the other people out there suffering from invisable disablities. They are ultimately saving lives by bringing awareness to this immense problem. All I can say to them is thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!