Work and invisible disabilities: Practices, experiences and understandings of (non)disclosure

Abstract

Invisible disabilities involve dilemmas that differentiate them from visible disabilities. However, little is known about the situation persons with invisible disabilities face at work, as empirical studies are scarce. The present article contributes in-depth knowledge of practices, experiences and understandings that affect the work situation for people with invisible disabilities in a Swedish context. The article draws on qualitative, in-depth interviews with 10 persons with invisible disabilities and seven persons who – in their professional work as employers, HR managers, medical doctors or psychologists in the occupational healthcare – regularly have dealings with persons with invisible disabilities. The analysis shows how practices, experiences and understandings regarding disclosure differ between the two groups of informants – differences that lead to dilemmas for the persons with invisible disabilities. These results indicate that persons with invisible disabilities are in a vulnerable position despite the fact that working life in Sweden is relatively well-regulated.