4 ways to be an ally to people with invisible disabilities, by Sara Whitestone (Everyday Feminism).

As someone who lives with an invisible disability, I struggle on a daily basis to live with my ever-changing abilities. My condition reacts to a variety of factors, so my symptoms vary on any given day. It’s a constant juggle between wanting to do as much as I can without hurting myself while dealing with the social repercussions of my fluctuating abilities. In my experience, strangers confront me every time I go out in public to validate my disability to them in some way – and this is a common experience.

I appreciated reading her experiences and recommendations, especially:

It’s safe to assume that if someone has a certain accommodation, they received it for a reason – but we can never assume what that reason is. It’s important not to police people when they use these accommodations – or if they don’t.

But You Look Fine to Me: Invisible Disability and Flying, by E.Amato.  The author has an invisible disability.  She is able to walk- for short distances on some days, and the distance between airport terminals is often more than she is capable of- or if she does walk, it drains her reserves that she may need later.  She describes the “scowls, the down-the-nose stares, and the odd jealousy that comes off people like a bad scent” that she experiences when she requests a wheelchair at the airport, while visibly able to use her legs.  Another clear description of both invisible disabilities, and disabilities where the level of difficulty experienced varies regularly.