Hidden Diagnoses: Moscow and Yekaterinburg to Host Support Week
From November 9 to 15, the Yeltsin Center will hold (in)visible disability week in Yekaterinburg and, for the first time, in Moscow. The program focuses on illnesses that are invisible to the outside world.
(In)Visible Disability Week in Two Cities
From November 9 to 15, the Yeltsin Center will hold "(In)Visible Disability Week." The project began in 2020 at the initiative of the center's inclusive department, and this season marks the fifth year of the week, expanding its geographic reach: Yekaterinburg For the first time, a branch will join the site Moscow.
What diseases are not visible from the outside?
The project's main theme is illnesses and health conditions that are invisible to the outside world. These include depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, dementia, diabetes, and hearing loss. People with these diagnoses often appear normal, so they often find themselves discounting their difficulties, even as they cope with significant daily challenges.
Program formats
The program does not include formal presentations; the organizers are focusing on live formats: performances, open discussions with psychologists, art therapy, practical workshops, and meetings for those caring for seriously ill loved ones. Some events will be interpreted into sign language.
The main goal of this week is to give people the opportunity to openly talk about their experiences without fear of judgment, and to help society learn to notice and understand the pain of others, even if it doesn’t have visible signs like a cast or a wheelchair.
You can find details about the “Week of (In)Visible Disability” program here.