Disability History Month: Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities

November 16th marks the beginning of Disability History Month. We want to take a moment to think about how to make our campus a more inclusive, safe place for all our students. 

Did you know there were 514,310 students with a known disability in the UK in the year 2023/24 (HESA in 2025.) And many of these disabilities? You can’t see them.  

Hidden disabilities include medical conditions, mental health disorders, speech and language problems and more, which are not immediately obvious to others. 

Invisible symptoms can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments. People may question someone’s condition because “they don’t look like they have a disability.” Well, spoiler: disabilities don’t have a certain “look.” 

Often, people with hidden disabilities wear a sunflower badge, lanyard, or card to voluntarily show their disability, and they might need extra help, understanding, or time. 

How can you help? 

You may live, study, or be around people with hidden disabilities on campus. Here’s how you can be more mindful:  

• Ask, don’t assume – Politely asking if they need help is better than helping without consent. 

• Respect their privacy – They might not want to explain their condition, and that’s okay. 

• Be patient and understanding – Some people may need more time or adjustments. 

Everyone’s needs are different – while one person might not want help, another may be too anxious to ask for the support they need. Every disability is different.  

If you want to learn more about the support available on campus, click here to find guidance on disability-related support.