Facts
Hidden disabilities can cause day-to-day activities to be difficult. What are some examples of day-to-day activities?
- going shopping
- going to work
- cooking food
- using public transport
True or False: a loss limb is hidden disability
false
Confirmation Bias
The tendency to only seek out information that supports one’s existing beliefs, ignoring evidence that contradicts them.
How many Canadians suffer from at least one disability?
As of 2022, 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older (approximately 8.0 million people) reported having one or more disabilities that limited their daily activities
If a friend makes a joke based on a harmful stereotype, how would you respond?
The best response is to educate without shaming, making them aware of why the joke can be harmful while maintaining a productive conversation.
How do people sometimes assume individuals with disabilities need pity rather than empowerment?
Society often views disabilities as only a disadvantage, rather than recognizing the strengths, independence, and full lives disabled individuals can have. This leads to ableism, where people assume that disabled individuals are incapable of achieving success.
what is the most common kind of invisible disability?
mental health conditions
Implicit Association
the mental connections people make between certain traits and specific groups, often without realizing it.
How many suffer from barriers due to misconceptions?
Over 70% of persons with disabilities experience barriers related to behaviors, misconceptions, or assumptions from others, underscoring the need for increased awareness and education.
You’re in a group conversation, and someone interrupts or dismisses a person with a disability's ideas. How can you intervene?
Theres no one way to answer this, but here are some pointers:
Fact or Myth: Exercise is a natural antidepressant, and sleeping well can improve mental health
Studies show that physical activity boosts serotonin and dopamine, chemicals that help improve mood and mental health. Poor sleep is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. That’s why good sleep hygiene is a major part of mental wellness!
fact
neurodiversity
The idea that differences in brain function (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia) are natural variations of human diversity rather than disorders to be “fixed.”
How often are Canadians actually affected by mental health conditions?
Mental illnesses are genuine health conditions that affect many Canadians. Approximately 50% of Canadians will have faced some level of mental health issues by the time they turn 40
A friend expresses frustration that "vulnerable" and "often-targetted" groups talk too much about discrimination. How would you help them understand the importance of these discussions?
Explain that addressing discrimination is necessary for change. If people didn’t talk about civil rights, gender equality, or disability rights, laws would never changed.
Does mental illness affect life expectancy?
Mental illness can reduce life expectancy by 10 to 20 years, underscoring the significant health implications beyond mental health alone
true or false: If someone doesn’t “look disabled,” they must be fine, and using accommodations means someone is getting an unfair advantage
80% of disabilities are invisible—including chronic pain, ADHD, autism, and fibromyalgia. Disabilities come in many forms! Accommodations like extra test time or remote work simply level the playing field, allowing people to perform at their best.
Tokenism
The practice of including a small number of people from underrepresented groups just to appear diverse, without actually supporting inclusivity
Does mental illness affect Canada's economy?
Mental illness significantly affects Canada's economy, with $51 billion spent annually on mental health care costs. Notably, 30% of disability claims are related to mental illness, and 35% pertain to work disruptions, highlighting the widespread impact of mental health issues on the workforce.
Your workplace or school claims to be diverse but lacks representation in leadership roles. How can you advocate for meaningful change?
no one right answer. here are some pointers:
What does it mean when people refer to neurodivergent people often having special strengths?
Many people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia excel in creative thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. Some of the world’s greatest minds were neurodivergent! -- Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and Mozart all showed traits of autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, proving that brains work in unique and brilliant ways!
List some common misconceptions about mental illness and invisible disabilities
- you can always tell when someone is depressed because they are sad
- ADHD, crohn's disease, PTSD, diabetes, and anxiety are not examples of invisible disabilities
- prevention from mental illness does not work
- people living with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable
Call In vs. Call Out
true or false: 1/3 of chronic mental illnesses show their first signs before the age of 14.
False. Half of all chronic mental illnesses show first signs before the age of 14.
If you could create one policy or social movement to challenge discrimination in your community, what would it be and why?
This can be open-ended, but here are some pointers: