Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

All Activities

Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities

Make an awareness poster and empathy cards about hidden disabilities, learn common challenges, respectful language, and how to support classmates.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Understanding Invisible Disabilities - PART 1

What you need

Large paper or poster board, plain index cards or cardstock, colouring materials (markers crayons or coloured pencils), pencil and eraser, ruler, scissors, glue stick or tape, stickers or printed images (optional), adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all the materials from the list and bring them to your workspace.

Step 2

Ask an adult to help you find child-friendly and reliable facts about hidden disabilities online or in books.

Step 3

Write down five clear facts about hidden disabilities on a scrap sheet of paper.

Step 4

Brainstorm and write six short supportive phrases or respectful words on a scrap sheet of paper.

Step 5

Choose a short positive title and one-sentence main message for your poster.

Step 6

Lightly sketch a simple poster layout with your pencil and ruler to show where the title facts and pictures will go.

Step 7

Write the title on the poster in big colourful letters using your colouring materials.

Step 8

Neatly add the five facts to the poster using short clear sentences.

Step 9

Add the six supportive phrases to the poster in a special box or along the edge so they stand out.

Step 10

Cut the cardstock into six equal empathy cards using scissors.

Step 11

On each empathy card write one short everyday scenario that shows a challenge someone with a hidden disability might face.

Step 12

On each empathy card write one kind action or one kind thing a classmate could say or do for that scenario.

Step 13

Decorate the poster and empathy cards with drawings stickers or colours to make them friendly and eye-catching.

Step 14

Ask an adult to read everything and help you change any words that are not respectful or that share private information.

Step 15

Share your finished poster and empathy cards on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use if I can't find cardstock, stickers, or a ruler?

If you don't have cardstock for cutting six equal empathy cards, use cereal-box cardboard covered with plain paper and decorate with colouring materials instead of stickers, and use a magazine edge or a book as a straight ruler for the 'Lightly sketch a simple poster layout' step.

My five facts or the poster layout keep getting crowded — how do I fix that?

If your five facts won't fit neatly, follow the 'Lightly sketch a simple poster layout' step and rewrite each fact as one short clear sentence on scrap paper, then arrange them on the sketch to check spacing before writing on the poster.

How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For ages 5–7, ask an adult to help find two simple facts, pre-cut the empathy cards and let the child draw the supportive phrases, while ages 11+ can research more facts, write six detailed scenarios and create a digital version to share on DIY.org.

How can we make the poster and empathy cards more interactive or personal?

Turn the six empathy cards into a class role-play game by having classmates act out each scenario from the cards and use the six supportive phrases written on your poster as prompts during the activity.

Watch videos on how to talk about hidden disabilities

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

2-1 Hidden Vs. Visible Disabilities

3 Videos

Facts about disability awareness and inclusion for kids

🧠 Neurodiversity includes conditions like autism and ADHD — many brains work differently, not worse.

♿ Invisible or hidden disabilities (like chronic pain, migraines, and mental health conditions) often can't be seen but still affect daily life.

💬 Asking someone how they prefer to be described and using respectful language helps reduce stigma and builds trust.

❤️ Small supports — extra time, quiet breaks, or written instructions — can make school tasks much easier for classmates with hidden disabilities.

🎗️ Peer-made posters and empathy cards are powerful: classmates often learn and change behavior best when the message comes from other kids.

How do I run the 'Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities' activity with my child?

Start by explaining what hidden disabilities are in simple terms and set a respectful tone. Help your child research common challenges and respectful language. Sketch a clear message for a poster—big title, simple facts, inclusive images—and create empathy cards with prompts like “How would you help?” or role-play scenarios. Finish by sharing posters and cards in class or at home, and debrief feelings and questions to reinforce learning and kindness.

What materials do I need to make an awareness poster and empathy cards?

You’ll need poster board or large paper, markers, crayons or paints, colored construction paper, index cards or cardstock for empathy cards, glue or tape, scissors, and stickers or printed images. Optional: a tablet or printer for reference photos, laminating sheets to protect cards, and a ruler for neat lines. Keep scissors and glue child-safe and supervise younger children while cutting or using small items.

What ages is the 'Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities' activity suitable for?

This activity can be adapted for ages 4–15+. Preschoolers (4–6) benefit from simple, supervised discussions and picture-based posters. Elementary kids (6–10) can research basic facts, write short empathy prompts, and make visuals. Tweens (11–13) can lead research, craft detailed posters, and practice supportive language. Teens (14–15+) can create campaigns, digital posters, and facilitate classroom conversations, with guidance on sensitivity and privacy.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for this activity?

Benefits include building empathy, respectful communication, and social inclusion skills. Safety tips: emphasize privacy and avoid sharing personal stories without consent, use age-appropriate language, and correct stereotypes gently. Variations: make a group mural, create digital posters or short videos, translate cards into multiple languages, or pair children for a buddy-support poster. Include a teacher or parent debrief to answer questions and reinforce supportive actions.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities

Make an awareness poster and empathy cards about hidden disabilities, learn common challenges, respectful language, and how to support classmates.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Understanding Invisible Disabilities - PART 1

What you need

Step 1

Gather all the materials from the list and bring them to your workspace.

Step 2

Ask an adult to help you find child-friendly and reliable facts about hidden disabilities online or in books.

Step 3

Write down five clear facts about hidden disabilities on a scrap sheet of paper.

Step 4

Brainstorm and write six short supportive phrases or respectful words on a scrap sheet of paper.

Step 5

Choose a short positive title and one-sentence main message for your poster.

Step 6

Lightly sketch a simple poster layout with your pencil and ruler to show where the title facts and pictures will go.

Step 7

Write the title on the poster in big colourful letters using your colouring materials.

Step 8

Neatly add the five facts to the poster using short clear sentences.

Step 9

Add the six supportive phrases to the poster in a special box or along the edge so they stand out.

Step 10

Cut the cardstock into six equal empathy cards using scissors.

Step 11

On each empathy card write one short everyday scenario that shows a challenge someone with a hidden disability might face.

Step 12

On each empathy card write one kind action or one kind thing a classmate could say or do for that scenario.

Step 13

Decorate the poster and empathy cards with drawings stickers or colours to make them friendly and eye-catching.

Step 14

Ask an adult to read everything and help you change any words that are not respectful or that share private information.

Step 15

Share your finished poster and empathy cards on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use if I can't find cardstock, stickers, or a ruler?

My five facts or the poster layout keep getting crowded — how do I fix that?

How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?

How can we make the poster and empathy cards more interactive or personal?

Watch videos on how to talk about hidden disabilities

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

2-1 Hidden Vs. Visible Disabilities

3 Videos

Facts about disability awareness and inclusion for kids

🧠 Neurodiversity includes conditions like autism and ADHD — many brains work differently, not worse.

♿ Invisible or hidden disabilities (like chronic pain, migraines, and mental health conditions) often can't be seen but still affect daily life.

💬 Asking someone how they prefer to be described and using respectful language helps reduce stigma and builds trust.

❤️ Small supports — extra time, quiet breaks, or written instructions — can make school tasks much easier for classmates with hidden disabilities.

🎗️ Peer-made posters and empathy cards are powerful: classmates often learn and change behavior best when the message comes from other kids.