 |
|
|
 |
|
There are three categories of Invisible Disabilities, and many people have a combination of these types:
 |
Cognitive Disabilities |
|
|
Psychological Disabilities |
|
|
Chronic Health Problems |
Cognitive Disabilities
Fifteen percent of the U.S. population has some form of cognitive disability. People with this neuro-biological disorder have brains that simply work differently. These disorders include Attention Deficit Disorder and specific learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Visual Perceptual Deficit and Auditory Perceptual Deficit.
Cognitive Disabilities can create significant challenges in a person's work life, from difficulty with reading, writing and math, to problems recognizing social cues and interacting with people. Other common issues include poor time management, restlessness, distractibility, poor memory, and the need for extra time to complete projects. What's more, ADD is often the core issue of addictive behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, sex and gambling addictions. People with cognitive disabilities are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Psychological Disabilities
More than 19 million American adults (9.5 percent of the population) suffer from depression, one of the most common psychological disorders. Depression causes alterations in thinking, mood and behavior. In the workplace, signs of depression include decreased productivity, poor morale, lack of cooperation, safety risks, accidents, absenteeism, lack of energy, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, affects approximately 2.3 million adult Americans (1.2 percent of the population). It is characterized by cyclical periods of severe depression with periods of elevated or irritable mood known as mania. People with psychological disabilities are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Chronic Health Problems
Chronic Health Problems include HIV/AIDS, allergies, back conditions, cancer, diabetes and heart conditions. While most people are able to work without accommodations, symptoms can substantially limit major life activities such as concentration, ability to sit at a desk or breathe easily. If a person is affected by one or more of these, the person is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
|
