Building understanding and awareness this Invisible Disabilities Week

Published on 18 October 2026

Invisible Disabilities Week (18-24 October) is an opportunity to raise awareness that not all disabilities are immediately visible, and to recognise the diverse experiences of people living with non-visible disabilities.

Invisible or non-visible disabilities can include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health, chronic pain, chronic illness and other conditions that may not be immediately apparent to others. While these disabilities may not be visible, the impact they have on a person's daily life is very real.

This week, we're sharing the story of Alison, one of our Disability Champions, who has generously shared their lived experience to help build understanding, reduce stigma and encourage inclusion.

I’m the newest member of Banyule’s Disability Champion group. I live in Viewbank with my husband and our 2 sons.

I have Cerebral Palsy (CP), a lifelong movement disability that affects my lower limbs. I was born prematurely, and damage to a particular part of my brain before birth resulted in my CP.

There are several different types of cerebral palsy, and it affects everyone differently.

I have spastic diplegia, which causes muscle stiffness and tightness in both of my legs, as well as weakness on one side of my body. I walk independently, but with a slight limp, and may become fatigued over long distances. It is not a progressive condition and does not worsen over time.

I wish more people understood that people with visible disabilities want to be treated like everyone else. We don’t want to be seen or treated as special, or viewed as inspirational because of our disability.

Ableism can significantly affect self-esteem and mental health. People with disabilities, including myself, are capable, intelligent and able to speak for themselves.

Like everyone else, we want the opportunity to participate fully in our local communities and live meaningful, inclusive lives.

Through sharing personal experiences, people help others better understand the challenges, barriers and strengths that can accompany living with a non-visible disability.