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.
Step-by-step guide to Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities
Understanding Invisible Disabilities - PART 1
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.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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
2-1 Hidden Vs. Visible Disabilities
3 Videos
2-1 Hidden Vs. Visible Disabilities
The Hidden Disorder: Understanding Developmental Language Disorder: Full Film
Hidden Disabilities
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?
What materials do I need to make an awareness poster and empathy cards?
What ages is the 'Let's Talk about Hidden Disabilities' activity suitable for?
What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for this activity?
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