Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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October 13, 2019
WHEREAS, about 10 percent of people live with a condition which could be considered an invisible or hidden disability, which amounts to approximately 32.7 million Americans; and,
WHEREAS, nearly half of Americans are living with a chronic medical condition, totaling 163.5 million patients. The differentiation between having a chronic condition and a disability is the degree of impairment thrust upon the patient’s life; and,
WHEREAS, invisible disabilities are not inherently apparent based upon just looking at a person, leading this person to fight a battle seldom acknowledged by the outside world; and,
WHEREAS, without the obvious signs of disability, many of those with invisible disabilities are accused of faking and exaggerating their conditions, which translates to a lack of funding, accommodations, medical resources, and overall support; and,
WHEREAS, the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) strives to encourage, educate, and connect people and organizations touched by disability. With the help of IDA, we may envision a world where people living with illness, pain, and disability will no longer be invisible.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 13-19, 2019, as Invisible Disabilities Week.