Wednesday, 29 October 2025

 Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (09:54): Many people mistakenly think of disabilities as only being visible – images of someone using a wheelchair or a guide dog – but the reality is 90 per cent of the 4.4 million Australians living with a disability are actually living with an invisible disability. Last week, 19 to 25 October, was Invisible Disabilities Week, an invitation to promote open dialogue on how we can shift the conversation and misrepresentation of invisible disabilities. Invisible disabilities can include things like chronic pain, neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, mental health challenges and many other health conditions. The barriers people face because of them are very real: difficulty accessing education, workplaces and public services, and even social exclusion. The Victorian Greens understand that the challenges faced by disabled people stem from decades of underfunding, ableist policies and a lack of genuine community consultation. Invisible Disabilities Week serves as a reminder to educate ourselves on how we can all ensure we co-create safe and respectful spaces for all people to share their experiences.