Millions of people go through their daily lives with a disability—but you can’t always tell by looking at them. Some live with hidden, or invisible, disabilities that affect their mobility, independence and overall quality of life.
Statistics Canada lists 10 disability types:
- Seeing
- Hearing
- Mobility
- Flexibility
- Dexterity
- Pain
- Learning
- Developmental
- Mental/psychological
- Memory
Source: StatsCan
Whether a disability is apparent to others depends on the type of disability, the degree of severity, and how well they are managed. Chronic pain, for example, may be fully invisible, and mental or psychological challenges may also remain hidden to colleagues.
When we consider disabilities in any category, we may be tempted to think they are obviously limiting. But people with hidden disabilities are out there proving us wrong every day. If you think you can spot a disability, you may be surprised to know how many very successful celebrities have one.
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
Adult ADHD is a mental health disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention, restlessness and impulsivity. Symptoms start in childhood and may interfere with academic performance. While some adults age out of ADHD symptoms, many continue to experience difficulties that make daily functioning a challenge.
In the workplace, ADHD can make it challenging to focus on tasks. Suggested accommodations include frequent breaks, thoughtful pacing of tasks, and a realistic workload. Tools and technology that help employees set reminders and prevent unnecessary interruptions can also be helpful.
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, producer and actor. He skyrocketed to fame in the 1990s as the youngest member of the boy band NSYNC. Timberlake revealed to Collider in 2008 that he suffers from a combination of attention deficit disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. “You try living with that.”
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is an American competitive swimmer and holder of the most Olympic swimming medals of all time. He holds the world record for the number of medals won in individual events by a male Olympian. As a child, Phelps was criticized by teachers for his inability to sit still. While he couldn’t stop fidgeting in class, he was able to channel his energy into swimming; by age 10 he was a nationally ranked swimmer.
Vince Vaughn
Vince Vaughn is an American actor, producer, screenwriter and comedian. He’s known for comedic roles in movies such as Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Old School, Wedding Crashers and many more. As a child, Vaughn struggled to read and resisted learning as a result. His father took an anti-medication stance, so Vaughn was forced to try harder and “develop a really good work ethic.”
ANXIETY DISORDER
Generalized anxiety disorder features excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control. It may occur alongside other mental health challenges. If not treated or controlled through lifestyle changes or coping techniques, it can interfere with daily functioning.
In the workplace, anxiety may interfere with focus and lead to panic attacks. Employees are best accommodated by flexible schedules and designated spaces where they can take a rest if necessary. It’s also helpful to be mindful of triggers and work to reduce them.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is an American media executive, talk show host, actor, producer and philanthropist. She is considered one of the most influential women in the world, known as the “Queen of All Media.” Although Winfrey is wealthy and powerful, she’s been affected by anxiety her entire life. Her anxieties may be rooted in physical and sexual abuse she suffered as a child, which took a toll on her mental health.
Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, actor and current host of The Late Show. He’s known for political caricature, and has won nine Primetime Emmy Awards. Colbert recently shared in an interview that he had a nervous breakdown in 1993 soon after getting married. His anxiety became so intense that he required medication. He gradually came to realize that performing onstage gives him relief from anxiety.
Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian is an American reality TV star and model. She first appeared in the television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which led to two spin-offs. She is considered a fashion maven. Following a roller-coaster 2016 that included the break-up of her long-time relationship with partner Scott Disick, Kourtney Kardashian began to feel crippled by anxiety and shared her struggles with her social media followers.
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental condition involving challenges to social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviour. There are several distinct disorders that fit under the Autism spectrum umbrella which include Asperger’s syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome and others. Effects and severity of ASD vary from individual to individual.
In the workplace, autism can cause challenges relating to other people, “reading the room”, interpreting communications, or showing appropriate interest in events or activities. It’s helpful for organizations to be aware of the condition and raise awareness within teams through disability awareness training. Reasonable accommodations include using clear language accompanied by visuals; phased, intentional transitions with positive reinforcement; and help facilitating social opportunities.
Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins is a Welsh actor, director and producer, famous for his role as serial killer Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs. He’s been nominated for an Academy Award four times and won once. He’s been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hopkins was diagnosed with Asperger’s after getting married. As he put it, “My wife was trying to figure out who she was married to.” He says the condition may have been helpful to him as an actor—he’s known for his extraordinary memory when it comes to his lines.
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, record executive and actor. He is one of the most successful musical artists of the 21st century. Eminem disclosed in his song ‘Wicked ways’ that he has Asperger’s. His mother remembers him speaking in full sentences as early as two years old and walking before his first birthday. As a child regularly feigned illness to stay home from school where he says he was shy and awkward. He preferred to be at home writing poetry, drawing comic book characters and reading.
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg is an environmental activist from Sweden who has become famous in recent years for her straightforward addresses to governments about the existential threat of climate change. Still in her teens, Thunberg exhorted elementary and high school students across the world to strike for climate action.
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Formerly labelled manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that manifests in extreme mood swings with emotional highs and lows. Episodes may occur rarely or frequently. It is a lifelong condition that can be treated with medication and counselling.
In the workplace, employees with bipolar disorder may benefit from job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, or adjustments to rules and policies. Written task instructions and time-management tools may also be helpful.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, producer and actor. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001, Carey “lived in denial and isolation” for years. In recent years she has benefited from therapy and treatment.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson’s often controversial career as an actor and filmmaker has been punctuated by episodes of manic behaviour including drunken driving and domestic abuse. In a 2008 documentary, Gibson shared that he suffers from bipolar disorder.
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher is an American actor, writer and comedian who became famous for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars. In 1987, after struggling with bipolar disorder for many years, Fisher wrote the best-selling memoir Postcards from the Edge. Throughout her book tour she called for more attention and research about bipolar disorder. (RIP 2016)
DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes mellitus is an umbrella term for a group of diseases that affect the body’s ability to process sugar (glucose), resulting in excess sugar in the blood. Symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-to-heal bleeding.
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but often manifests in childhood or adolescence. Daily insulin injections are needed, or use of an insulin pump.
Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, tends to be diagnosed when patients reach middle age. It can be treated with several medications to increase insulin levels and/or reduce blood sugar levels. In advanced stages, insulin may be used.
Diabetes needs to be managed throughout the day in order to prevent symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, and dizziness associated with blood sugar variations.
In the workplace, employees may benefit from a modified work schedule that allows rest or food breaks when needed. Health and safety considerations should be taken regarding the possibility of slips, falls, or seizures. As with other conditions, it’s important for employees and employers to talk openly about accommodations.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is an American actor, Oscar winner and spokesmodel. At age 22 she became ill and slipped into a week-long coma, after which she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In 2007, however, Berry announced that she’d weaned herself off insulin. Doctors say that Berry likely had type 2 diabetes all along, because there is no way to avoid insulin if you have type 1. (Type 1s can’t survive without it.)
Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas is an American singer, songwriter and actor who began acting at age 7 and gained fame in the family pop band the Jonas Brothers. At age 13 Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes).
Tom Hanks
Thomas Jeffrey Hanks is an American actor and filmmaker. Known for both his comedic and dramatic roles, Hanks is one of the most popular and recognizable film stars worldwide. announced he has type 2 diabetes when late-night host David Letterman commented on his newly slim figure in October 2013. "I went to the doctor and he said, 'You know those high blood sugar numbers you've been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you've graduated.'
DYSLEXIA
People with dyslexia have difficulty making the connection between words as they are written and the speech sounds they represent (decoding). While people with dyslexia tend to have normal intelligence and normal vision, they may do poorly in school because of this reading barrier, and they may go under the radar for many years.
Employers are required by law to make “reasonable accommodations” for dyslexic employees. This may include providing instructions in a “multisensory” way—e.g., in an email accompanied by a voice recording; ensuring that lighting is optimal; allowing use of noise-cancelling headphones; and using coloured (less reflective) paper for printed materials.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is a multi-talented American singer, actor, comedian and television personality. She is among a rare few who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, a Tony and an Academy Award. Dyslexia caused Goldberg to be bullied in high school, leading her to drop out.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is an American filmmaker who has directed and produced some of the most popular films in history. He became a household name with the movie Jaws. Only at the age of 60 was Spielberg diagnosed with dyslexia, which had made grade school a struggle and caused him to drop out of college.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is an American actor and film producer. She gained international fame for her role on the long-running series Friends and has since starred in numerous movies. Growing up, Jennifer Aniston felt “stupid.” Only after taking an eye exam in her 20s did she learn that her difficulties reading were actually due to dyslexia.
DYSPRAXIA
Dyspraxia is a developmental coordination disorder involving difficulties with movement, coordination, judgment, processing, memory, and cognition. Individuals with the disorder may find it challenging to plan and complete tasks involving fine and gross motor skills, as well as activities involving sequences of steps.
Severity and exact manifestation of symptoms varies from individual to individual, and may also include dyslexia, attentional challenges and autism spectrum characteristics.
In the workplace, people with dyspraxia may benefit from voice-output functions on computers, alternative ways of organizing information, and accommodations such as sound dampening and subdued lighting. The condition may sometimes result in a loss of confidence, so employees will benefit from ongoing communication and reinforcement from supervisors.
Richard Branson
Richard Branson is a British business titan, investor, author and philanthropist. His corporation, the Virgin Group, controls over 400 companies in various industries. Although dyspraxia resulted in bullying when he was young, Branson has never let the condition get in the way of succeeding. Since 1990 he has worked hard to bring neurodiversity and inclusion front-and-centre of his business operations.
Florence Welch
Florence Welch is an English singer and songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the band Florence and the Machine. As a child, Welch experienced difficulty learning and often got into trouble for “impromptu singing.” She has since given many interviews on dyspraxia and dyslexia, and says she is proud to have these conditions.
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe is an English actor and producer, famous for his recurring lead role in the Harry Potter series. Although his dyspraxia is considered mild, Radcliffe has said in interviews that he sometimes has trouble tying his shoelaces.
EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is relatively common, affecting up to 1% of the population. It occurs because of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Patients may experience several seizure types, and seizures may be brought on by conditions such as low blood sugar, high sodium, or alcohol/drug use. Not all people with epilepsy have frequent seizures, but for some, seizures can be unpredictable.
Workers should know that they cannot be fired because of a seizure, and they are entitled to ask for accommodations. Installing filters on computer screens, allowing rest breaks or work-from-home options, or even carpeting a concrete floor can make work more comfortable and safe.
Danny Glover
Danny Glover is an American actor and film director, known best for his lead role in the Lethal Weapon series. He also supports a variety of political causes. Glover experienced his first seizure when he was 15 years old. Only after extensive testing and many more seizures was he diagnosed with epilepsy. For unknown reasons, he stopped having seizures about two decades ago, but acknowledges that others aren’t so lucky.
Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle is a Scottish singer who shot to fame after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent. Her studio album I Dreamed a Dream set a record for highest sales of a debut album. Boyle suffered fainting fits in grade school before being diagnosed with epilepsy. She describes being teased and tormented by classmates who targeted her because of the condition and other learning disabilities.
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and record executive. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Hospitalized for over a week in 2013, Lil Wayne later described having multiple seizures, resulting in memory loss. Prior to 2013, the rapper’s epilepsy was unknown to fans, but a whirlwind schedule resulted in stress, which set off more severe seizures and put him in hospital.
FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that produces widespread musculoskeletal pain as well as fatigue, sleep and memory issues. It can also cause depression among sufferers, who may have difficulty getting a diagnosis.
About 14% of fibromyalgia sufferers are unable to work. Employees with the condition may find themselves having to make the case repeatedly that they are suffering and may require accommodations such as extra rest time or work-from-home options. Importantly, stigma seems to play a large role in workplace difficulties. That fibromyalgia sufferers tend to be women can sometimes mean that employees downplay their symptoms and don’t stand up for themselves against discrimination. Awareness of the condition can help dispel stigma and build better acceptance, leading the way to accommodations.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is the stage name of Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, an American singer, songwriter and actress. She’s known for her wild costumes and constantly changing look. In 2017 Lady Gaga revealed that she suffers from fibromyalgia. She asked her fans to be patient while she got healthier, and to help raise awareness about the condition.
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman is an American actor, known for his powerful narration on such films as March of the Penguins. He has received five Oscar nominations (winning in 2005 for Million Dollar Baby). In 2013 Morgan Freeman opened up about having fibromyalgia to Esquire Magazine, describing shooting pain travelling along his arm—the result of nerve damage from a car accident.
Sinead O’Connor
Sinead O’Connor is an Irish singer/songwriter who became famous in the late 1980s with her album “The Lion and the Cobra.” O’Connor announced abruptly in 2013 that she was quitting the music business due to severe pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
LUPUS
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that that attacks healthy tissues in the body such as joints, skin, and kidneys. It presents with flare-ups that may be unpredictable and are affected by stress and anxiety levels. Many lupus patients report depression.
In the workplace, accommodations such as extra lumbar support, anti-glare filters on computer screens, and more frequent rest periods can help.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is an American singer, songwriter, actor and producer. She got her start on Barney & Friends and went on to win countless music and performance awards. In a 2017 interview, Gomez revealed she’d had a kidney transplant following rounds of chemotherapy to treat lupus.
Seal
Seal is the professional name of Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, a British musician, singer and songwriter. He has sold over 20 million records internationally, and reached superstardom with his 1994 hit “Kiss from a Rose.” Many people wonder why Seal has scarring on his face. It’s the result of a particular type of lupus (discoid lupus erythematosus, or DLE), that affects the skin above the neck.
Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, musician and actor, as well as a philanthropist. She’s one of the highest-selling female R&B artists in history, with over 67 million records sold. In 2008 Braxton was diagnosed with lupus. Like a lot of lupus patients, she struggled to get a solid diagnosis, and for a while she thought she would need a heart transplant because of the condition.
LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks that carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. In addition to producing a rash and arthritic symptoms, it can affect the heart, brain, and nervous system. It is extremely difficult to diagnose because it presents with “non-specific” symptoms—i.e., they resemble those of a host of other ailments (headaches, tingling in the legs, fever, extreme fatigue).
About 40% of Lyme disease sufferers are unable to work. For those who can work, accommodations such as ergonomic keyboards and chairs, time limits on typing or data entry, and work-from-home options can be helpful.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer, songwriter and actor. He was discovered at 13 years old after posting YouTube videos in which he performed cover songs. Bieber recently announced on Instagram that he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease, responding to speculation that his appearance and symptoms were the result of drug use. He also revealed he has infectious mononucleosis, which has affected his overall health.
Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne is a French-Canadian singer, songwriter and actor. She was one of the youngest soloists to have a number one album (Let Go, featuring the breakthrough single “Complicated”). Lavigne describes late 2013 as “literally the worst time” of her life. After suffering weeks of inexplicable symptoms, she had to convince doctors that there was actually something wrong with her. Only after doing her own research did she find a doctor who could diagnose and treat her.
Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin is an American actor, writer, comedian, producer and political activist. The eldest and most famous of four brothers, he recently ratcheted up his fame by portraying American President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live. Baldwin has struggled with Lyme disease since being bitten by a tick 17 years ago. Although he was treated, the symptoms continue to be extreme.
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder features patterns of repetitive and unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that contribute to repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Attempts to avoid engaging in repetitive behaviour often lead to anxiety, leading to a vicious circle of ritualistic behaviour as sufferers engage in compulsive actions to alleviate their anxiety.
In the workplace, OCD may result in a variety of limitations that vary from individual to individual. It’s helpful for employers and employees to discuss the condition openly and settle on reasonable accommodations. For example, an employee with OCD may benefit from subdued lighting, a cubicle divider, or a noise-cancelling headset.
David Beckham
David Beckham is a professional soccer (football) player who hails from England. Until 2016 he played for Manchester United, then moved to the U.S. He is married to former “Posh” Spice Girl Victoria Beckham; the couple has four children. In interviews Beckham has described his obsessive-compulsive behaviour, which includes lining up Pepsi cans in the fridge in rows and requiring that all items be in pairs. He also describes being “addicted” to the pain of tattoos.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is an American singer, songwriter and television personality. She is one of the highest-earning female artists in the world. Perry describes herself as a “germophobe” and says she engages in “crazy cleaning rituals.” She also likes to have everything in alphabetical order.
Howie Mandel
Howie Mandel is a comedian, actor and television personality whose struggles with OCD have been very public. His reluctance to shake hands has led him to become renowned for using the fist bump instead. Mandel is upfront about his challenges, including his reliance on medication to manage symptoms, and advocates for greater public awareness about OCD.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects (predominantly) the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain’s substantia nigra area. The condition is characterized by uncontrollable shaking and tremors, slowed movement, stiffness, and difficulty with balance.
The way people experience Parkinson’s is highly individual, and limitations vary from person to person. In the workplace, employees with Parkinson’s will benefit from open communication with employers, a flexible work schedule, ergonomic seating, and rest breaks when needed. If there are difficulties with cognition or executive functioning, job task modifications may be helpful.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox, best known for his starring role in the Back to the Future series, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at an unusually young age. At the time his physician estimated 10 more years of productive life, but the actor and philanthropist has gone well beyond that limit to 25 years and counting.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer, activist and philanthropist, nicknamed “The Greatest.” He was known for using rhyme schemes and spoken word in his boxing trash-talk, and he made multiple appearances as a television personality. Shortly after retiring from boxing, Ali developed a tremor and speech difficulties. Despite this, he carried on in public life until his death in 2016.
Charles Schultz
Charles Schultz was beloved across North America and the world for his Peanuts comic strip featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy. He was diagnosed in his 50s with Parkinson’s, after which he retired his long-running comic strip.
SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME
Sjögren’s syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by two main symptoms: dry eyes and a dry mouth. Sufferers may also experience fatigue and muscle aches, as well as dryness in other moisture-producing sites.
In the workplace, employees may struggle with pain, fatigue and weakness. Accommodations such as ergonomic workstations or mobility aids such as scooters may be helpful. Subdued lighting may help with photosensitivity associated with dry eyes. Telework may also be a helpful option.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams is an American professional tennis player and the first African American woman to be ranked number one in the Open Era. Her seven Grand Slam titles place her at number 12 on the all-time list. She has also won four Olympic gold medals. Williams and her sister Serena are consistently dominant in tennis, and famous for their fashion-forward outfits. In 2004 Williams began to suffer shortness of breath and fatigue. “No matter how hard I worked…I never felt in shape. It was really frustrating.” Her symptoms became progressively worse, forcing her to take a break from tennis. It took another seven years for Williams to be diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome.
Carrie Ann Inaba
Carrie Ann Inaba is an American television personality, dancer, choreographer, actor and singer, best known for judging on Dancing with the Stars. She is the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation's National Awareness Ambassador & Spokesperson.
STUTTERING
Stuttering is a speech disorder that hampers the normal fluency and flow of speech. Stuttering is unconnected to intelligence; people who stutter know what they want to say but have difficulty saying it. Stuttering ranges in severity and may occur often or only when certain vowels or words trigger it. Stuttering can have an impact on self-esteem and confidence, and may result in sufferers being quiet to avoid embarrassment.
During the hiring process and in the workplace, people who stutter are encouraged to talk openly with employers. They benefit when co-workers and employers listen patiently and do not complete their sentences for them. It’s also helpful for them to have questions in advance of an interview or meeting where they’re expected to talk/present. People who stutter may be more comfortable with electronic/written communications, and use of these methods should be encouraged.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is an American professional golfer who holds numerous golf records and is tied for first in PGA Tour wins. Woods achieved success at a young age but has often found his career marred by personal controversies. In a 2006 interview he described his struggle with stuttering, saying, “The words got lost somewhere between the brain and the mouth.” Woods was able to get help in school for his stutter, and says he used to practise speaking with his dog. In 2006 he opened the Tiger Woods Learning Center.
Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt is a British actor who now resides in the United States. Although known for her elegant diction, she struggled throughout her childhood with stuttering and was for a long time unable to overcome it. Finally, a speech therapist suggested that she practise speaking in different accents, and this proved the key to overcoming her challenges.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden, former U.S. Vice President in the Obama administration and now the presumptive Democratic candidate for the upcoming U.S. election, has struggled throughout his life with stuttering. He cites the movie The King’s Speech, in which King George VI works to overcome his stutter, as an example of how he copes with stuttering in his own life.
THYROID DISEASE
Thyroid problems include Graves’ Disease, in which too much thyroid hormone is produced, and hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own thyroid tissue. Several types of thyroid cancer occur, and are statistically on the rise.
Thyroid conditions come with a long list of symptoms that may vary from individual. They may contribute to exhaustion, lack of focus, and mood issues. In the workplace, both employees and employers benefit from open communication about symptoms. Employees should be able to attend regular appointments and take rests as needed.
Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana is an American actor who made her first film appearance in the Avatar film series. Since then she has had recurring roles in both the Star Trek reboot and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hypothyroidism runs in Saldana’s family. “Your body doesn’t have the energy it needs to filter toxins, causing it to believe that it has an infection, so it’s always inflamed.”
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart is a Scottish rock singer and songwriter who has sold over 120 million records worldwide. He was knighted in 2016. Stewart underwent a routine scan in 2000 that revealed he had thyroid cancer. After undergoing surgery he took about nine months to recover his signature raspy voice.
Missy Elliot
Missy Elliot, an American rapper, singer, songwriter and hip-hop dance legend, has struggled with Graves’ Disease since 2008. Her diagnosis came after she experienced severe leg cramps while driving and almost crashed her car.
TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIA
Transient global amnesia is a sudden, temporary loss of memory that can’t be attributed to a neurological condition such as epilepsy or stroke. The condition mostly affects middle-aged people, who may find themselves unable to remember where they are or how they got there. Symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours (usually much less), and memory gradually returns. While the condition isn’t considered serious, it can be very frightening.
In the workplace, episodes of TGA can be disconcerting for both employees and employers/co-workers, and can place limitations on certain job tasks. Employees may benefit from training refreshers, memory apps and organizers, and written instructions. Employees will also benefit from patience, understanding, and communication.
Jeff Probst
Jeff Probst is an American reality television show host and executive producer. He has been the host of the hit show Survivor for 40 seasons. In an interview, Probst recently revealed that he had had a health scare involving his memory; he’d been unable to remember anything about a phone call he’d had just two hours before. He visited a neurosurgeon the next morning and was diagnosed with transient global amnesia (TGA).
If you suffer from a disability or any condition – know you are not alone. With the proper support and intervention, you can overcome. You are, by law, protected and should be supported in the workplace. For more information on how to ensure you are supported at work, check out our blogs 6 Ways to Start Thinking about Workplace Accessibility Right Now and To Accommodate or not to Accommodate – Hiding Disabilities in the Workplace. Contact us if you need support or further information. We’d be glad to help.
Sources: Easter Seals, StatsCan, Wikipedia, WebMD, Mayo Clinic, Healthline, UK Mobility, MTV News, All Things Interesting, and Explore Health.
