As part of UW–Madison’s Go Big Read program, I recently delved into Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig. The book offers more than a personal narrative; it serves as a window into what it means to live in and navigate a world designed primarily for able-bodied individuals.
Taussig’s honesty, humor, and insight challenged me to think more deeply about what inclusivity truly entails. Beyond adding ramps or Braille signage—and beyond quick-fix accommodations that only scratch the surface—her perspective encourages us to reconsider how we define and practice inclusion.
What struck me most is that building inclusive communities isn’t simply about clearing physical obstacles. While addressing these tangible barriers is undeniably critical, Taussig reminds us that inclusion must also embrace the less visible realities of difference.
When we acknowledge and respect invisible disabilities—conditions like chronic pain, digestive disorders, mental health challenges, or lesser-known experiences such as aphantasia (the inability to visualize images)or anauralia (not having an inner voice)—we begin to expand our understanding of what it means to be fully present and fully seen.
This shift in perspective requires us to question long-held assumptions about “normal.” Our common default is to imagine a hypothetical average human body and mind—one that moves easily, processes efficiently, and sees the world in standard ways. But reality is far more varied. Bodies and minds come in innumerable forms. Some learn best through images, while others rely on language or tactile experience. Some move effortlessly up a flight of stairs, while others need a ramp or an elevator. Some navigate daily life free of pain, while others manage quiet struggles that the world rarely pauses to notice.
Rethinking ‘Normal’: Challenging Assumptions About Inclusion
Inclusion involves listening, learning, and reimagining—it means recognizing that what may be routine for one person could be arduous or isolating for another—and urges us to question the status quo—like how we design spaces, conduct classes, or structure community events. By embracing a wider range of perspectives, preferences, and abilities, we invite richer, more diverse communities.
Strategies for Creating Inclusion and Belonging
Translating Taussig’s insights into practical steps can help groups intentionally design for inclusion and belonging. Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Engage in Continuous Education: Help the team understand the breadth of human difference with education or workshops on visible and invisible disability awareness that includes visible and invisible disabilities so they can make more informed, empathetic decisions.
- Co-Create Solutions with Diverse Voices: Don’t assume you know what accommodations are needed. Invite people with disabilities, both visible and invisible, into planning committees. Listen to their feedback and integrate their suggestions.
- Focus on Inclusive Design Principles: When planning gatherings or events, go beyond the basics (i.e., ramps for wheelchair users or captioning media) and consider sensory-friendly elements such as quiet rooms for those who need a break, flexible seating arrangements. You can also provide multiple ways to engage (i.e., written, oral, visual, and tactile) so participants can choose what works best for them.
- Foster a Culture of Empathetic Adaptation: Treat inclusion as an evolving process and encourage norms that allow for flexibility—such as providing multiple avenues for participation—and remain genuinely open to feedback. Regularly reassess what’s working and what needs to improve, recognizing that genuine inclusion requires continuous learning, responsiveness, and compassion.
For example, at a recent community workshop we introduced a quiet room—a calm, low-sensory space accessible throughout the meeting. After the event, a participant living with chronic migraines thanked us for having a quiet private area that allowed this individual to fully engage in the workshop’s discussions and activities. This small adaptation, informed by direct feedback from those it served, exemplifies how meaningful inclusive measures can be.
A Collective Responsibility
Building a truly inclusive community demands more than isolated accommodations—it calls for an ever-present commitment to seeing one another fully and responding with both creativity and care. By embracing the complexity of human difference and weaving new perspectives into the fabric of our shared spaces, we unlock the potential for deeper connection and meaning. This work is not an endpoint but a journey we take together–learning, adjusting, and growing so that everyone can find a welcoming place at the table.
What insights or experiences have broadened your perspective on invisible disabilities and inclusion? I invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or additional strategies.
Further Exploration
