23/10/2025
🌻 This week is Invisible Disabilities Week and we're taking this opportunity to acknowledge the unique challenges ostomates face when it comes to the visibility - or invisibility - of having a stoma.
Unless your stoma bag is proudly on display if you're swimming or simply out in a crop top or active wear, most people would never know you have a stoma just by looking at you!
This can both be a fortunate and at times frustrating thing, depending on the situation and whether you want it to be known you have a disability (accessing a public disabled toilet comes to mind...).
Here's a few points to remember when it comes to your invisible disability:
🌻 It is entirely YOUR decision whether or not you tell people you have a stoma
🌻Hidden doesn't mean non-existent; as a person with a disability, you are entitled to the same rights and protections as any other person with a visible disability
🌻 80-85% of people with a disability have one that is invisible; whether it's neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health, or any other chronic condition - so what does this mean? You're NOT alone!
💛 Please remember we're here for you and you're always welcome to get in contact if you ever need support; you may even wish to catch up with our STN Anne Marie if you need someone to chat to. And don't forget to join our monthly Members Zoom meetings, which are held on the first Wednesday of each month! (Next one this coming Wednesday!) There you will find a whole group of people who truly understand what it's like to live with an often-invisible disability.
🌻 Why the sunflower? The sunflower has become a globally-recognised symbol of invisible disabilities, especially with the fantastic Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard initiative which discreetly signals the wearer has a disability and may be in need of support.
To learn more about the Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard go to:
https://hdsunflower.com/au/insights/post/for-people-with-non-visible-disabilities
☺️ As always, take care and stay well, from your friends at NSW Stoma.
tagging: hidden disabilities australia
