Governor Proclaims Invisible Disabilities Week 2022

WHEREAS, about 20 percent of Americans live with a condition which could be considered an invisible or hidden disability,

WHEREAS, invisible disabilities can include cognitive impairment and brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, chronic pain and fibromyalgia, deafness, hard of hearing or blindness and/or low vision, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many more; and

WHEREAS, the term invisible disabilities as defined by the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), distinguishes disabilities not readily apparent based upon just looking at a person, leading this person to fight a battle seldom acknowledged by the outside world; and

WHEREAS, the lack of obvious signs of disability may result in misunderstandings, fear, and distrust, as well as a lack of funding, accommodations, medical resources, and overall support; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages organizations, health care practitioners, and all people and organizations affected by disability;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 16 – 22, 2022, as “INVISIBLE DISABILITIES WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.