An explanation...

The purpose of the See Us Project is to raise awareness for invisible disability, while also addressing issues related to disability, in general. However, it has occurred to me (founder), that the "See Us" part of the Project could be misunderstood.

The invisibility of disability poses many challenges. One of these challenges is uncertainty surrounding one's identity (which is a topic we will soon discuss, so stay tuned!)

I want to tell you this right now:

You are not your disability. Your loved one, friend, coworker, classmate — the people you see at the store, or on the bus everyday — are not their disability.

We should try our best to avoid recognizing someone as or for their disability. Try our best to avoid identifying someone solely by their disability.

Remember that disability affects so many people. The effects of disability can consume someone's life, and change their perspective of the world, as anything can.

But a person with disability is a person first and foremost, and a person. . . People are due respect. Respectfulness toward someone with disability, whether it be visible or invisible, should be automatic.

The See Us Project is here to help you to observe the ways in which you maintain this respect.

We will learn to be more aware of the language we use. We will learn to recognize when we are perpetuating harmful stigma. We will continuously check, and encourage ourselves and one another. Many things are far from simple, and understanding will not be achieved in 6 weeks. Even so, the time spent learning is so valuable.

We build to become stronger, not better. - See Us Project