In the midst of the Homecoming season at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, it’s easy to get caught up in events happening around campus. However, alongside the homecoming celebration, it is important to remember another important event: Invisible Disabilities Week.
From Oct. 20 to Oct. 26, Invisible Disabilities Week is an effort to bring awareness, education and support to those with invisible disabilities.
Hosted by the Invisible Disabilities Association, this week was established in 2014 for individuals to celebrate by bringing awareness to the fact that not all disabilities are seen. According to the IDA, “invisible disabilities are such symptoms as debilitating fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunctions and mental disorders, as well as hearing and eyesight impairments and more.”
This week’s purpose is to encourage understanding and inclusion of individuals whose conditions are not immediately apparent.
Year-round, NSU’s Office of Accessibility and Disability Services plays a crucial role in ensuring students with disabilities are always able to participate in university programs, services and activities. They offer a range of accommodations including transportation, housing, extended time for testing, testing equipment, assistance with note-taking and access to private testing pods in the Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library.
Crissy Smith, newly appointed director of OADS, explained these services aim to create a supportive learning environment at NSU that helps students reach their full academic potential.
“We help determine what that student might need to assist them and what accommodations would help them in the classroom setting,” Smith said. “Two of the main services we provide here are extended test times and a distraction-free environment.”
Kyle Castilla, a junior with a major in child psychology who has ADHD and autism, credited OADS for his academic success.
“I’ve used OADS throughout my college years, and they actually helped me pass all my classes with help like having a reader or extra time to finish a test,” Castilla said.
Zoe Fairchild, a student pursuing a master’s in clinical psychology, was unfamiliar with Invisible Disabilities Week. After realizing she did not know about the week, Fairchild had the opportunity to learn more about invisible disabilities and the purpose of this week.
“Their issues get overlooked. They’re preparing for Homecoming too, so it’s important that they are able to celebrate the same as any other student,” Fairchild said.
OADS collaborated with other organizations at NSU, including the Center for Inclusion and Diversity and the Counseling and Career Center, to host events throughout the week that will raise awareness for Invisible Disabilities Week. The events aim to destress attendees include rock painting, Origami with OADS and DIY stress balls.
It is important for students to get the support they need at school, and it is equally important for the NSU community to be aware that learning styles and needs vary for each student. Acknowledging and accommodating invisible disabilities ensures all students have the opportunity to succeed.
For more information about upcoming events, visit the office’s Instagram page, @oads_nsula. To learn more about what OADS does for the NSU community or how to register for OADS services, visit https://www.nsula.edu/disabilitysupport/.
