In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Heather explores the heart of what Living Beyond the Invisible stands for: the importance of advocacy and awareness for people living with invisible disabilities.

Heather breaks down what invisible disabilities are, why they’re so widely misunderstood, and how this lack of awareness fuels stigma, isolation, and discrimination. From emotional tolls to workplace challenges, this episode highlights how society often doubts what it cannot see—and why changing that mindset is essential.

With research, real-life examples, and compelling quotes, Heather also unpacks the power of storytelling in advocacy, the dangers of misinformation and fabricated illnesses on social media, and what it means to be a genuine ally in today’s digital age.

• 📌 What defines an invisible disability
• 💡 Why awareness is the first step toward inclusion
• 💬 The emotional impact of being doubted or dismissed
• 📉 The consequences of faking illness on social media
• 📢 How advocacy shows up in both big movements and small conversations
• 🧠 How to be a responsible ally or advocate in your community

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090200150738#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingbeyondwalkwithheather

Email: livingbeyondtheinvisible@gmail.com

• Invisible Disabilities Association – www.invisibledisabilities.org
• CDC Disability Statistics – cdc.gov
• Asbring & Narvanen (2002), Journal of Health Psychology
• Job Accommodation Network Report (2022) – askjan.org
• Ruderman Family Foundation (2018 Survey)
• Hannah Soyer in Teen Vogue – "Faking Disabilities on TikTok"
• Psychology Today (2023) – "Faking Illness on Social Media"
• Amanda C. Riley (Scamanda Case) – Justice.gov
• Belle Gibson Case – BBC News
• Crutches & Spice Blog by Imani Barbarin – crutchesandspice.com

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