Hi All,
Karen shared this on Facebook, and I thought that you'd also like to see it.
10 THINGS PEOPLE WITH INVISIBLE ILLNESSES WANT YOU TO KNOW
Does this ring true for you? What do you want people to know?
I can relate so much to a lot of these points. It is really about education, can't say I was too aware of any of it until my accident. It would probably be helpful if we share on our social media so those we interact with can educate themselves if they would like to understand you a little more, as long as you are comfortable doing so.
All good advise, and thank you for posting! I hope that some of Australia's CEOs see this as well. Many companies have policies, but lack the enthusiasm to implement/follow through. I believe that there are many people with visible/non-visible disabilities who end up leaving the workforce as they experience lack of support and understanding. Fairly complex topic, I guess. Would be good to hear the view of an Occupational Therapist, for example.
Hi Renae or Michael,
Would either, or both of you be interested in writing a blog about living with invisible disabilities.
Michael, I would also be interested in hearing about invisible disabilities, and barriers in the workplace.
D
Hey there,
If you want some more information about or perspectives about living with hidden or invisible disabilities, listen to this podcast.
I am looking forward to reading about your thoughts.
Hi Diana, I would be more than happy to talk about this topic - mainly my own experience. Hoping that other stroke survivors find it helpful. It is a long story and everyone is different (nature of stroke and level of disability).
In short, some organisations believe that it is enough to hire an external Occupational Therapist and write a report without a meaningful contribution by the stroke survivor (who may be reluctant to speak up, fearing that it would reflect badly, or just being a bit confused with the situation). However, the most important feature is if one returns to a workplace previously know (before the stroke) or into a new environment.
In my case: had the stroke at one organisation (six months after joining) and returned to a new organisation (took over my previous company). So, I guess, it was a 'perfect storm'. Not to mention multiple change of management. However, in hindsight, I should have spoken out more.
Forgot to mention that many organisations have 'Return to Work' policies. From my experience, they had the right to ask me to start in a position that was 1 level below my pre-stroke position. Apparently, as long as they pay me the same, it is allowed. However, I felt that a clear path of return was not followed - clearly communicated.
After everything (let's not forget COVID-19, working from home, etc.), I still learn how to live and function with my short-term memory loss and cognitive disability.
Good to have this forum.