From Invisibility to Empowerment By Angela Arlington

From Invisibility to Empowerment

Reflecting upon my younger years
I am 47 years old and my lived experiences started in the 1980s. When I was in elementary schools, we were taught about people with disabilities; people who were identified solely on what could be seen to the outside world. In the last 30 years research, technology, and awareness have finally started giving answers to people suffering with invisible disabilities. Society has been slow to accept that people can look “normal” and have a huge range of problems occurring in the brain and the body.

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) defines the term succinctly:
“In simple terms, an invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities. Unfortunately, the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments. IDA also uses the term in a sentence: “People are parking in an accessible parking space with a placard, but they look fine. I wonder if that driver has an invisible disability.”

I would have felt supported if professionals listened, instead of telling me I was fine or that I was suffering from ‘stress.” I suffered for years in pain due to endometriosis, migraines, and interstitial cystitis.  I did not know how to ask for support or learn how to advocate for myself because no one thought I had any real health issues. Pain is subjective. Chronic pain everyday in some people is their “normal level.” They are not drug seekers or exaggerating, but they get dismissed by professionals, because they can not see the amount of pain in a person. While if a person came in with an obvious broken bone sticking out of their skin, doctors would immediately give the patient pain medication. 

2000-College and Parenthood
I became empowered once I realized that I had a lot of issues that kept getting worse. I started reading books and finding limited resources on the Internet describing what my symptoms could be. Living with chronic pain, I was not aware that others did not feel pain all the time. How could I know as no one one talks about how your body should feel everyday? I started reaching out to specialist who recognized my symptoms and did not dismiss my concerns. The healthcare system had caught up to my symptoms and they were finally able to be identified and treated.
It was an exhausting journey and at one point I was taking 11 medications. I hated being dependent on so many pills to function. Migraines were very difficult to find solutions for and when they hit me I had to get in bed and have no noise or light near me. I had to try to fall asleep before I would start throwing up for hours. I missed work and it took years to stop having them at least 3 times a week.
When I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy, my constant falling asleep made more sense. I would be driving and falling asleep at stoplights for no reason. It was like my eyes were too heavy and they could not stay open, so taking naps in parking lots became normal for me. I went through a lot of different stimulants until finally finding my current medication that makes me able to leave this house without being afraid of falling asleep in the car, in the middle of conversations, or even in the shower.
I became my own advocate in college. I asked to take tests in a room without a ticking clock because it made my anxiety so bad I would freeze. I explained my narcolepsy to my professors, so they understood I was interested in their classes. Once I was able to advocate for myself, supporting others became my future.

Moving forward:
It is 2026, and schools have realized that every child can not sit still all day and copy from a blackboard. I have supported many families in the state over the years with understanding and navigating the world of having “special needs” in school and beyond. There are accommodations for sensory fidgets, breaks for overwhelmed students, and aides to help with students who need help to learn. Plus, adults are also utilizing fidgets and taking breaks at work or at conferences!
Doctors are more involved with asking specific question to parents about their child’s whole development. Social media has provided more information on many of my invisible disabilities and health conditions. Its taken time, but I am thrilled that others are getting diagnosed and support much earlier in their life.
I have been trained in many mental health classes from national organizations. I have no problem discussing my anxiety and depression with others. I have been involved in many non-profit organizations to support others as a peer and as a parent. Knowledge is key. I have supported the empowerment of many families in various roles over the last 20 years. In the disability world, I have met people with such a variety of struggles. I may not have the same problems, but I am capable of seeing how difficult it can be to navigate a world where others lack the awareness, knowledge, or compassion to treat each person with respect and dignity.

About the Author

Image Description: This is me with my terrier mix dog Charlie. We are at our favorite place- the dog park. We are on the fake grassy area near the mulch where the dogs love to dig and run in. Dog bowls with fresh water are behind us next to the black fence that surrounds the fence. I have straight brown hair streaked with shades of lighter areas from the sun sitting near my shoulders. I am wearing shorts and am tanner then my normal pale white skin. I am wearing blue mesh like shorts with a lighter blue shirt with my sleeves rolled up due to the heat. My black sketcher sandals are on my feet secured with Velcro straps. My sunglasses are upon my head pulling my hair away from my face. I am smiling and slightly squinting from the sun. We are in partly shaded area but facing the sun. My lips are a a pink mauve color from my lipstick. I have laugh lines and slight shadows under my eyes due to allergies.

Angela Arlington
I am 47 years old and have lived and worked in the Disability community for over 30 years. I have worked with children as a Developmental Therapist and Early Childhood Educator. I have worked in the past for the Autism Society of Indiana and other nonprofit organizations supporting families. I currently tutor children of all abilities and help families with IEP advocacy. I have a 27 year old daughter, Violet, who also has complex health issues.