On Current TV | December 14, 2006 | Comment on this video (6)

Invisible Disabled

marty1918
What do you think a person with a severe disability looks like? If the image that comes to mind is a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility, than you're not alone. But here are the facts: over 33 million people in the United States have a severe disability. Of those 33 million, only 10 million use assistive devices such as a wheelchair, cane, crutch or walker. In other words, over 67% of the Americans with severe disabilities do not use any devices. So you can't judge a person's disability by whether or not the person looks disabled. It is "invisible."

Our daughter Brianna saw your contest on Current TV and asked what I thought about her doing a piece on discrimination. She felt that this was the perfect chance to share our family's story and I couldn't have agreed more. Brianna wrote to her friend's uncle, Marty Langford, asking him to help tell her story. Brianna wanted the pod to reflect who she was, a little silly, a little dramatic and a whole lot of inspiring! She didn't want to do anything too emotionally heavy, believing that laughter can be just as powerful as tears when it comes to empowering change in people perceptions, challenging them to look harder. Brianna's goal is to make people aware of the unconscious cruelty in the ignorance of people's treatment because of pre-judging a healthy appearing person.
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6 comments // Invisible Disabled // Video

  • seeker561
  • RaffaeleKF
  • leafsunbear
    • 0
      leafsunbear  

    • This pod got me crying. I also have an invisible disability and use handicapped parking. It is hard being young and needing to park in handicapped spots. People stare and send very bad vibes at me. Hearing her story was very great for me and it has the ability to open other peoples eyes. Thank you for posting it.

    • 5 years ago
  • leafsunbear
    • 0
      leafsunbear  

    • This pod got me crying. I also have an invisible disability and use handicapped parking. It is hard being young and needing to park in handicapped spots. People stare and send very bad vibes at me. Hearing her story was very great for me and it has the ability to open other peoples eyes. Thank you for posting it.

    • 5 years ago
  • crystal1
    • 0
      crystal1  

    • I just saw this podcast on Current TV. I have never watched current television before but if this is the type of real life stories you help tell and share, I will be watching you all the time. She is so strong and courageous to share her story with the world despite the fact that this young girl is going through all these hardships. I know this has changed the way I look at people who require assistance, even if I can''t see it. Great network, you have a new fan!!!

    • 5 years ago
  • rravish
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