90% of Disabilities Are Invisible. Why Doesn’t Our Signage Show It?

What comes to mind when you think of the word ‘disability’? Is it someone in a wheelchair, with a guide dog? These images pop up because they are easily visible and often what’s portrayed in the media.

Most Australians recognise the disability access symbol. But few realise that most disabilities are invisible — including chronic illness, neurological conditions, trauma, and neurodivergence.

This misunderstanding causes real harm. People are regularly challenged, judged, or made to feel ashamed for using accessible spaces.

We’re not asking to remove mobility recognition. We’re asking to expand inclusion, reduce stigma, and build safer communities.

It’s time to update disability messaging for today’s world.

A personal message
“I live with an invisible disability. I’m one of many people who looks ‘fine’ on the outside, but faces real limitations and pain every day.

Like so many others, I have experienced judgement, questioning, and the pressure to prove my disability to strangers just to access the support I am legally entitled to.”

No one should have to explain private medical information just to be treated with dignity and respect.

The reality for people with invisible disabilities
For many Australians, everyday life includes:
Being told they “don’t look disabled”
Being questioned in accessible parking
Being challenged in public spaces
Feeling anxious about using the support they need
Avoiding community participation due to fear of confrontation

This stigma affects mental health, wellbeing, independence, and safety.

Invisible disability is real. The impact is real.

Who this affects
Invisible disability includes, but is not limited to:

• Chronic illness and pain conditions
• Neurological conditions
• Mental health conditions and trauma, including C-PTSD
• Neurodivergence and sensory disability impacts
• These conditions can significantly affect daily functioning, mobility, cognition, energy, and participation in community life.

Why change matters
The current disability symbol is important and widely recognised. However, public perception has not kept pace with modern understanding of disability.

Updating disability messaging will:

• Improve awareness and understanding
• Reduce judgement and stigma
• Support inclusion and dignity
• Create safer and more respectful communities
• Reflect the true diversity of disability

This is not about replacing mobility recognition. It is about expanding understanding and inclusion.

What we are asking for
We are calling on the Australian Government to:

• Review national disability access signage and guidance.
• Consider inclusive or complementary accessibility symbols.
• Develop public awareness campaigns about invisible disability.
• Engage with lived-experience communities in the design process.

This is a simple step toward a more inclusive Australia.

Our vision
We want a future where:

• People feel safe accessing accessible spaces
• No one is judged for needing support
• Disability is recognised in all its forms
• Communities are compassionate, informed, and inclusive

Because disability is not always visible.

Call to action
If you believe in dignity, fairness, and inclusion, please sign and share this petition.

Your voice can help change awareness, reduce stigma, and create safer communities for millions of Australians.

Together, we can build a kinder and more understanding future.

#NotAllDisabilitiesAreVisible
#ThinkOutsideTheChair