1 cm - Ep. 6: Hidden disabilities (in simple language)

Many people immediately think of a wheelchair when they hear the word disability.
But: many disabilities cannot be seen.
This is called a hidden disability.

This means that
You can't see that a person has a disability.
But the person still has great difficulties in everyday life.

Around 7 out of 10 disabilities are not visible.
These people are often not taken seriously.
That makes their lives more difficult.

The podcast tells the stories of people from Luxembourg.
These people have a disability.
They want to work and belong.

They have many skills and a lot of knowledge.
But other people often don't recognise this.
That's why they don't get enough support.

Joanne, the host of the podcast

The presenter of the podcast is Joanne.
Joanne is 36 years old and is self-employed.
Joanne is autistic.

Autism is not a disease.
Autism is a different way of thinking and experiencing the world.
Autistic people often perceive things more intensely.

Joanne had a lot of difficulties at school.
A lot of her studies were also very stressful.
Joanne needed more time than others.

With help and support, Joanne managed to graduate.
That was a great success.

Joanne later received a diagnosis.
The diagnosis explained many problems from the past.
At the same time, it was difficult to accept.

A long learning process began after the diagnosis.
Joanne got to know herself better.
Joanne learnt to accept her own limitations.
But also to recognise her own strengths.

Today, Joanne works as a counsellor and coach.
Joanne explains to other people what autism means.
For example in companies or on projects.

Sonja, the florist

Another person in the podcast is called Sonja.
Sonja is 68 years old and is now retired.

Sonja used to work in care.
This work was very physically demanding.

Over time, Sonja became ill.
She had severe pain in her body.
The illness was not recognised for a long time.

Sonja has an invisible disability.
Many doctors were unable to find a clear explanation for a long time.
This was very stressful for her.

At some point, Sonja could no longer work.
Her hands no longer worked.
That was very bad for her.
Sonja really enjoyed working.

With support, Sonja found a new job.
She started working with flowers.
She worked as a florist.

Working with flowers made Sonja very happy.
It gave her new joy and new strength.

But this work also brought problems.
The training was not adapted to her illness.
She had to spend a lot of time in the forest. That was exhausting.
The work became too hard over time.

Nevertheless, Sonja never gave up.
Flowers remained her great passion.

What employers should look out for

The podcast is also about employers.
Many employers don't know enough about disabilities.
Especially about invisible disabilities.
This is because it is often not easy to see what needs to be done.

Some employers think:
If you can't see anything, there's no problem.
But that's not true.

Every person needs something different.
Some need more breaks.
Some need clear structures.
Others need peace and quiet or written information.

There is no one solution for everyone.
Therefore, one thing is important above all:
You have to ask and listen.

For example, you can ask:
What do you need so that you can work well?

The sunflower: a sign for invisible impairments

A special sign is also explained in the podcast.
It is the sunflower sign.

The sunflower stands for invisible disabilities.
It can be worn as a ribbon or a bracelet.

The sign means:
I have a disability.
You can't see it.
I may need help or more patience.

This sign is available at the airport, for example.
Or in other public places.

The staff there receive training.
So they know how they can help.

Conclusion

The podcast makes it clear:
People with disabilities have difficulties.
But they also have many strengths and talents.

Inclusion means:
All people belong.
Everyone should have the same opportunities.

This requires understanding.
It requires respect.
And it requires appropriate support.

This is good for people with disabilities.
And it's good for society as a whole.