Invisible Differences, Visible Success

For the last 20 years commentators have begun to question the validity of the 'Social Model of Disability', and there is now space to develop a new model for those with hidden/invisible disabilities, who in fact out number those with visible disabilities. This book develops the 'Bi-ability Model' (Valeras, 2010) to better understand it’s viability to challenge the 'Social Model of disability' (1972), as an outdated concept describing all those with disabilities. It is argued that the Social Model is too focussed on physical impairments/physical environmental barriers, and does not truly describe the barriers faced by those with hidden/invisible impairments in modern society (at school, at university, in the workplace, and socially). The author has interviewed many very successful individuals with a range of hidden/invisible disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, Type 1 diabetes, Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy, Profoundly deaf, ME, bipolar depression and fibromyalgia), some having more than two disabilities, to develop greater understanding of their lives, and their keys for success. This book will look at the 'Bi-ability Model’ and how it offers a better way to understand their ability to develop highly successful careers through a range of strategies (e.g. passing) whilst rejecting a disability identity.