Some people in Indiana have disabilities that outsiders would never question. For instance, maybe someone suffered a spinal cord injury in a traumatic accident. They’ve lost a significant range of motion below the injury site, so they now use a wheelchair. They still have to provide documentation of their disability when seeking benefits, but it’s fairly clear to anyone who meets them that this condition has changed their life.
It is equally important, however, to remember that there are many people who are living with invisible disabilities. These conditions are often not obvious to outsiders, who may not notice them at all. But many conditions still qualify as disabilities, and individuals who have them need to know if they have a right to benefits—even if their disabilities don’t fit the more traditional mold that others expect.
Potential examples
Many different ailments could qualify as an invisible disability, but some include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Cognitive disorders
- Mental or emotional disorders
- Sensory impairments, such as hearing loss or eyesight loss
- Long-term diseases and ailments, which may not have a cure
These ailments can have a wide range of potential symptoms. For instance, post-traumatic stress disorder is an invisible disability. In some people, it creates anxiety and panic attacks. Others deal with flashbacks and nightmares. Still others suffer from irritability, depression, avoidance behaviors and much more.
It’s important to recognize that not everyone’s situation is exactly the same, but that all of these conditions are valid disabilities. Those who are interested in seeking benefits need to know exactly what legal steps to take and how to provide appropriate medical documentation.