More than 1 in 4 Americans have some sort of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though some might not be visible to others, they can still be debilitating.
For people with these ‘invisible’ disabilities, from dementia to depression to neurodivergent disorders (including autism and ADD), the hectic nature of a meeting presents a unique set of challenges. Planners need to be prepared to offer them peaceful spaces, support, and off–ramps if needed.
Here are 6 things you can do:
1. Provide Training for Your Team
WeCARE Psychological Safety Training equips teams with peer support training. Event organizers empower a designated group of individuals to provide empathetic, non-judgmental support to attendees during an event.
2. Ask About Special Requirements at Registration
Use language that is sensitive and inclusive. For example, instead of “Do you have any mental health conditions?” ask “Are there any aspects of your well-being that we should be aware of to ensure your comfort and safety?”
3. Offer Safe Spaces
One of the significant barriers for many invisible disabilities is sensitivity to overstimulation. Many meeting organizers are adding calm rooms, dedicated spaces designed to provide a sensory break for attendees.
4. Bring Attendees Together
Being alone in a strange city can lead to feelings of isolation and even panic. One way to help is to organize new attendee events, buddy systems, and structured networking sessions and social activities for people to connect if they are feeling alone.
5. Make Sure Attendees Know About Your Support Services
It’s important to let attendees know that there is support available if needed through emails and other meeting communications, such as the conference program or the app.
6. Know What to Do in an Emergency
If there is an immediate crisis where someone is in danger, call 911 and have the attendee taken to an emergency room. If the situation is not life-threatening, help him or her connect with resources such as the 988 Lifeline or the Crisis Text Line. (Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7.)
Have You Heard of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was created to encourage inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding. People choose to wear a sunflower to share that they have a hidden disability, or might need extra help, understanding, or just more time, and carry a personalized Sunflower card listing the kinds of help they need. Sunflower ‘advocates’ can choose to wear badges, lanyards, or other signage to demonstrate their support for those who may have a non-visible disability.
Since its launch in 2016, businesses from every sector, including travel and tourism, have joined the global Sunflower network in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the U.K., the UAE, and the U.S.
