Joanne's Story: Raising Awareness of Hidden Disabilities

Meet Joanne, a 32-year-old from Liverpool, whose life experiences with hidden disabilities spark a powerful conversation through the Speak to Me campaign. Recently diagnosed with autism, Joanne lives with six hidden disabilities that impact her daily life in ways that aren’t always visible to others. Through Speak to Me, Joanne shares her story, calling for society to see beyond assumptions and treat people like her with the respect and dignity everyone deserves.

 Living with Invisible Challenges

Joanne lives independently in semi-supported housing, where she receives seven hours of weekly assistance. This support is essential for her, though it’s not always consistent—she’s experienced last-minute cancellations that leave her managing tasks alone, adding to her sense of uncertainty. Despite these challenges, Joanne remains active and engaged in her community. She participates in activities like church bell ringing and line dancing, where she’s one of the few people with disabilities involved. These activities reflect her resilience and determination to live a full and independent life.

Misunderstood in Public Spaces

For Joanne, public spaces can be a source of frustration and discomfort due to a lack of understanding about hidden disabilities. During a recent trip to Aldi, she was hit by another customer’s trolley. When Joanne politely asked the shopper to give her more space, her request was brushed off, making her feel invisible. She reached out to Aldi’s customer service to share her experience but hasn’t received a response, adding to her frustration.

She faces similar challenges on public transport, where people often question whether she can manage independently. While she appreciates the intent to help, Joanne feels that being treated as an adult capable of voicing her own needs would make a world of difference. "If I need help, I’ll ask for it,” she explains. Joanne’s story highlights the need for greater empathy and understanding, especially in public spaces.

Finding Support and Advocating for Change

Fortunately, Joanne has supportive friends and connections, including her longtime friend Gary and organisations like Merseytravel, who offer her encouragement and understanding. She’s also contacted Gary Miller, expressing her desire to raise awareness about hidden disabilities. Her involvement with the Speak to Me campaign has given her a platform to advocate for a future where individuals with hidden disabilities are seen and understood. "I want people to understand what we go through every day," she says, hoping that her story will help reduce the stigma and foster a more inclusive society.

Educating for a More Inclusive Future

Joanne firmly believes that education and awareness are crucial for creating a more compassionate society. “Courses on hidden disabilities could make a huge difference,” she says. “The more people understand now, the better it is for the future.” She advocates for training programs that involve lived experiences, where people with hidden disabilities can share their stories with public-facing organizations. This kind of education could transform how businesses, public transport, and community spaces interact with individuals like Joanne.

Her hope is simple yet powerful: Joanne wants people to look beyond her disabilities and treat her with the respect and patience she deserves. She acknowledges that misunderstandings around her speech and autism can lead to frustration, both for her and those around her, but she believes these moments are opportunities for learning and growth. “When people get frustrated with us, they don’t realize how much it hurts,” she shares. Joanne encourages everyone to choose words over frustration and foster understanding over judgment.

Making a Difference Through Speak to Me

Joanne’s story is a powerful call to action, reminding us that hidden disabilities, though unseen, are a significant part of many people’s lives. Through Speak to Me, she hopes to inspire greater awareness, empathy, and respect for those navigating life with hidden disabilities. Her journey is a testament to the importance of compassion and the power of sharing our experiences to create a better future for everyone.