Shippensburg University students joined in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB) to discuss the importance of invisible disabilities on Wednesday. A panel of people met in McFeely’s with several others who listened, asked questions and came together in spite of their differences. 

The event was held by Naugle Residence Assistants at 5 p.m. On the panel, there were students, a professor and the director of accessibility resources. During the event, Naugle Hall staff asked the panel questions to shed light on the misconceptions, stigmas and confusion surrounding invisible disabilities. 

Shelbie D’Annibale, the director of accessibility resources, said, “There will be good days and bad days regardless of what your disability may be.”

D’Annibale believes that if somebody with a disability is having more good days than bad days, that does not make their bad days less important. There is no need to minimize an individual’s experiences or lifestyle. 

“Nationally, about one fourth of Americans identify as having a disability and one fifth of college students identify as having a disability,” D’Annibale said. “So it is a very common occurrence, and it is definitely a category that you can move in and out of throughout your lifetime.” 

Invisible disabilities are disabilities that cannot be seen at first glance. Though they are not visual, they still add stress, pain and complication for many. A few examples of invisible disabilities are mental health, arthritis, epilepsy, autism, diabetes and food allergies. They affect more people than expected daily.

First-year student Sofia Baldwin has osteoarthritis in her left ankle. Baldwin said that there are obstacles that come with having the condition such as limited movement, inflammation and pain that can sometimes lead to not being able to stand. Baldwin explains the permanence of this disability and its stereotype that society has created for it.

“You don’t owe an explanation to anybody. It doesn’t matter if they’re family, it doesn’t matter if they’re friends, you do not owe an explanation to anyone,” Baldwin said.

Special-education professor Jacquelyn Chovanes believes that every person with a disability experiences their disability in a different way, so it is unfair to exacerbate stigmas. She 

serves her life specializing in assisting with learning, behavioral, emotional disabilities and autism at Shippensburg University. 

“Disabilities are much more common than we may think, and you may not have a disability today, and not to be negative or creepy or anything, but you may have one in the future,” said Chovanes. “Educating yourself, having these opportunities to interact with people who have disabilities, developing empathy for people with disabilities is not only something that you do for the person, but it may be something that strengthens you in your own future.” 

Collin Horan, a graduate student from Shippensburg University, has epilepsy. His epilepsy is less common than usual, as his seizures do not occur from flashing lights. He shared that he has not had a seizure in four years; however, he describes the fear of having unknown triggers. Horan believes that it is essential that society get rid of preconceived notions about conditions, shut down factually incorrect information, remain inoffensive and ask instead of assume. 

While speaking about how to advocate for people on campus with disabilities, Horan said, “Having people around that are aware of what to do in that situation is important.” 

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