There is a brilliant Australian short film called “Jeremy the Dud.”
Even though it has been out for a few years, its message still hits home. It imagines a world where disability is the norm, and the rare few without disabilities face the same condescension and prejudice that people with disabilities deal with every day.
Watching it serves as a stark reminder: you cannot always tell who is living with a disability just by looking at them.
In 2025, many people still assume the term ‘disability’ only refers to wheelchair users. The reality is quite different. Experts estimate that 90% of disabilities are actually invisible.
What are invisible disabilities?
Invisible disabilities are chronic illnesses and conditions that significantly impair daily life but don’t have obvious physical signs.
We are talking about brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), chronic pain, and psychosocial disabilities like complex PTSD or bipolar disorder. These conditions can be just as debilitating as visible ones. But because they are hidden, they are easy to overlook. Sadly, this often leads to misunderstanding, judgement, and exclusion for the people living with them.
The Power of the Sunflower
You have probably noticed more people wearing green lanyards with yellow sunflowers in airports, supermarkets, or on public transport.
This is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. It is a simple, discreet way for someone to indicate that they have a non-visible disability and might need a little extra help, time, or understanding.
Becoming a powerful tool, worldwide, it allows people to take control of their situation without needing to explain their entire medical history to a stranger on the train.
Invisible Disabilities and the NDIS
A common myth suggests you need a “visible” impairment to access the NDIS. This is simply not true.
The NDIS doesn’t fund you based on what you look like; it funds you based on functional capacity.
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Whether your disability is visible (like an amputation) or invisible (like severe chronic fatigue), the test is the same. Does the condition cause a permanent and significant impairment to your daily life?
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If you can prove the functional impact, you are eligible for support.
How to Be an Ally in 2025
We can all do small things to ensure we support, rather than judge, people with hidden disabilities.
1. Respect Privacy (The “Accessible Toilet” Rule) If you see someone who appears able-bodied coming out of an accessible toilet, please do not challenge them.
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They may have an ostomy bag that requires a private basin.
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They might have a balance disorder and need grab rails.
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They could have sensory processing issues and need a quiet space to regulate.
The Golden Rule: Assume they need it.
2. Don’t Play “Parking Police” If someone uses an accessible parking permit but walks into the shops, remember that mobility is not all-or-nothing. They may have a heart condition or chronic pain where walking the extra 50 metres from a regular spot would leave them bedridden for the rest of the day. If they have the permit, they have been assessed. Trust it.
3. Watch Your Language Words matter. Terms like “crazy,” “insane,” or “lazy” reinforce stigma. Be mindful of how you describe behaviour. Instead of saying someone is “being difficult,” consider if they might be overwhelmed, in pain, or experiencing sensory overload.
The Bottom Line Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Do you need a team that sees the whole picture? At CoAbility, we understand that your disability doesn’t define you—and it isn’t always visible. If you need a Support Coordinator who will advocate for your hidden needs as fiercely as the visible ones, we are here for you. Contact CoAbility today for a confidential chat about how we can support your unique journey.
