Hi everyone. Today we’ll be discussing something that directly affects a significant percentage of the estimated 1.2 BILLION people around the world who have disabilities. If you are not one of these individuals, odds are they are one of your family members or friends. I’m speaking about those who have “invisible” disabilities. In other words, they don’t use an assistive device, like a cane or wheelchair. This means that most of us have no idea of the challenges these people deal with day after day, not even some of their own family members.

In Part of 1 of this two-part series, we’re going to learn more about those with invisible disabilities, the challenges they face, the improvements that are being made on their behalf, and about an organization that is working tirelessly to advocate for them.

To help us with all this, we’re going to speak with an expert on this topic. He’s Wayne Connell. Wayne Connell is president and CEO of the Invisible Disabilities® Association. Wayne founded manage.com/track/click?e=7c68018d92&id=f15698d45d&u=cacea3419ba56a55f90138623">IDA in 1996 out of the desire to educate friends and family about his wife, manage.com/track/click?e=7c68018d92&id=1ff1971965&u=cacea3419ba56a55f90138623">Sherri’s debilitating illness. Soon afterwards, people around the globe began sending emails sharing how manage.com/track/click?e=7c68018d92&id=1e7bf2b491&u=cacea3419ba56a55f90138623">IDA had changed their relationships with their loved ones.

Wayne’s background fueled his passion for helping people living with illness, pain and disability. His mission and efforts helped quickly launch manage.com/track/click?e=7c68018d92&id=e891e9beb6&u=cacea3419ba56a55f90138623">IDA into a world-wide outreach for millions living daily with manage.com/track/click?e=7c68018d92&id=324d7ed129&u=cacea3419ba56a55f90138623">invisible disabilities. Wayne is co-author of the book, "But You LOOK Good: How to Encourage and Understand People Living with Illness and Pain."

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