For several years, I have been wanted to design some sort of ID Cards with a Lanyard and Card Holder. I wanted something that I and millions of others living with invisible disabilities could wear to doctor appointments, the grocery store or on the bus.
The card would say, “I Live With An Invisible Disability” on the front. And the cards that could be handed out would share, what is an invisible disability.”
This would give a visual to people living with debilitating conditions, in the hopes that we would be able to get better help in the stores and possibly a seat on the bus when all the seats are taken. It would give us a chance to bring awareness and education to the people we met, without having to expend the energy to explain to people what is an invisible disability.
The Invisible No More ID Wallets Were Born
Finally, I put a pencil to it and showed it to my hubby, Wayne, founder and president of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). Wayne loved the idea, but he wanted to go a step further. He suggested instead of just having the badge on the end of the lanyard, to actually have a wallet for the cards.
I thought this was a perfect way to also allow people to carry their insurance card, credit card, cash and pens when they are going to a doctor’s office or grocery store! This way, when I have an appointment, I don’t have to carry my whole purse, I just put my essentials into the ID Wallet and I have my hands free to use my cane or crutches. Voila!
In September 2017, the ID Wallets were launched for the Invisible Disabilities Association’s Invisible Disabilities Week! It was a great addition to the IDA Store, along with Katie Maskey’s new IDA Lapel Pin!
Read more about both items, as well as the Invisible No More Glow-in-the-Dark Wristbands. Order from the IDA Store. All proceeds go to help support IDA’s work around the world!
Making a Difference for Others Living with Debilitating Conditions
2017 Invisible Disabilities Week Team: Sherri, Cassandra, Suzanne and Katie
Since I live with debilitating illness every day, I decided to volunteer for this week. I create all the activities for the week, with the MEME’s for people to share and participate (I was an art major before I switched to theater).
This year, I also created three Facebook Frames which were extremely popular. Over 6,500 people used the frames on their Facebook Profile Photos and many of them posted these photos on their other social media platforms! It was GREAT to see people so excited to be a part of the week!
I am so thankful to have had a wonderful IDW Team helping me get the word out and interact with the attendees this year! There is no way I could have done this alone. Thank you, Suzanne, Katie and Cassandra!
People from all over the world were sharing their stories, awareness endeavors, fur babies, service dogs, favorite people, places and more on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
There were several posts on the Invisible Disabilities Association’s Facebook Page that had hundreds of comments and on Instagram and Twitter, colleges, groups and businesses were participating in the week!
IDA’s Wayne Connell Brings Awareness to Invisible Disabilities
Wayne Connell, IDA founder and president had two television interviews during Invisible Disabilities Week, where he was able to share about millions living with illness, pain, injury and disability. It was an amazing opportunity to reach the hearts of the audience and bring awareness to friends, family, doctors, neighbors and society at large.
Wayne also was a guest speaker for two corporations, bringing education and awareness to their employees. Wayne’s invisible disabilities presentations at Accenture and TIAA were very well received and Wayne was honored and grateful for the invitation and opportunity!
Invisible Disabilities Week Concludes with “Laugh Out Loud” IDA Awards Gala
It was truly an evening full of inspiring stories, touching presentations and lighthearted fun, bringing awareness to millions of people living with invisible disabilities. We had the privilege of honoring several incredible individuals and organizations who are making a difference in the world for people living with disabilities. Doctors, nurses, friends and family were walking away saying, “Wow! I didn’t get it until tonight!”
As you may have noticed, we had a 70’s theme for those who dared to get groovy! … And they did! Attendees had a blast dressing in bell-bottoms, mini-skirts and disco shirts! The laughter and fun was contagious, as people mingled, danced and met new friends!
We would like to say thank you to all of our amazing sponsors and attendees who joined us for this wonderful night! We are grateful for your love and compassion for people living with invisible disabilities. And thank you to all of our special guests, chairpersons, gala committee and volunteers for working hard to make this an incredible night, none will soon forget!
All in all, it was a fantastic week of awareness, education, sharing and friendships! See you all next year! www.InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek.org
During the 2015 Invisible Disabilities Week, we provided 7 days of activities people from anywhere in the world could participate. What an amazing week of spreading awareness, education and support around the globe on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more!
So many amazing people shared their personal journeys, courageous hearts and thankfulness for people, places and things in their lives that give them strength to keep fighting.
Thank you all for sharing your stories, struggles and triumphs! And thank you to the amazing ID Week Team, Katie, Ali, Mandy, Cassandra, Nikki and Joni!
ID Week is sponsored by the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). IDA also hosted that week, the Brain IDEAS Symposium which included 9 doctors, practitioners and experts on the brain. That evening was topped off by the 2015 IDA Awards Gala where IDA honored 9 incredible individuals and organizations making a difference.
Derek AmatoMandy Harvey
The attendees also enjoyed Featured Entertainer, Singer, Composer and Author, Derek Amato. Derek is one of only 30 known “Acquired Savants” in the world after a head injury!
They were also delighted by Special Guest Speaker and IDA Ambassador, Katie Maskey, Mrs. Ohio United States, as well as 2015 IDA Inspiration Award recipient and IDA Ambassador, Mandy Harvey. Mandy lost her hearing in college, but with much perseverance continued her passion for singing and is now an accomplished singer, songwriter and speaker.
Katie Maskey, Mrs. Ohio United States and Kimberly Reece, Mrs. Colorado United States
Although ID Week has passed, IDA continues their work throughout the year! Keep connected with IDA
PLEASE SUPPORT IDA. Proceeds from sales, fundraisers and donations help us to continue our vital work of bringing awareness, education and support around the world to millions living with debilitating illness, pain and injury, as well as loved ones, caregivers, co-workers, doctors and businesses. IDA’s outreach extends through our websites, books, pamphlets, articles, annual award nights, radio and television interviews, videos, special events, Disability.Gov blogs, programs, campaigns, the Invisible Disabilities Week, IDAC online community, social media and so much more!
For several years, I have been wanted to design some sort of ID Cards with a Lanyard and Card Holder. I wanted something that I and millions of others living with invisible disabilities could wear to doctor appointments, the grocery store or on the bus.
I thought this was a perfect way to also allow people to carry their insurance card, credit card, cash and pens when they are going to a doctor’s office or grocery store! This way, when I have an appointment, I don’t have to carry my whole purse, I just put my essentials into the ID Wallet and I have my hands free to use my cane or crutches. Voila!
