Scope ran a great disability awareness campaign recently called End the Awkward . It poked gentle fun at the cringe-making faux pas made by some people in response to other people who look or behave differently. So what about those of us who are disabled but don’t look different? The good thing about an invisible illness like mine, you might think, is that it gives me a "normality cloak" to hide under and protect myself from the hurt or embarrassment that can arise from people's ignorance or preconceptions towards difference. By controlling if and when I disclose my disabled identity I can avoid such Awkward Moments as people not knowing how or whether to shake hands with me if I don't have a right arm, for example. It's true that the normality cloak gives me more control. But the danger with wearing that cloak all the time is that it can turn me invisible too. I have all kinds of difficulties and needs you can't see at a glance and if I want t
Research, writing, campaigns and consultancy on disability inclusion. Leading the conversation on energy-limiting conditions