Whenever we forget those who suffer from an invisible disability

There are diseases and even serious health conditions that cannot be perceived with the naked eye and that require great attention from everyone and an even wider sensitivity. Chronic diseases, more or less disabling, which put people of any age in a situation of temporary or permanent disability that is not easily recognizable at first glance.

I’m talking about the so-called “disabilities not visible “ such as some heart diseases including congenital heart diseasethe multiple sclerosisthe autoimmune diseasesthe Asperger’s syndrome and many others.

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Disabilities not visible, a problem squared

For all these people, the problem of having to manage the pathology on a daily basisare also added those of stigmatization and social misunderstanding due to the fact that others often do not recognize their difficulty in carrying out simple actions such as standing in line at the supermarket, on public transport, waiting outside a shop or in a public bathroom. A condition that sometimes gives rise to misunderstandings and situations of embarrassment. For example, when someone finds himself asking: “Why are you using a parking lot reserved for the disabled?”. \

The inclusive campaign promoted by AICCA

A better and fair society is one that values ​​diversity and fosters greater inclusion; the one where the rights of all are guaranteed and respected. For this AICCA (theItalian Association of Congenital Cardiopaths for Children and Adults) has been working for over a year on the promotion of a special national awareness campaign which will continue throughout 2022, to create engagement and stimulate reflection on non-visible disabilities. A campaign that addressing basic concepts on the subject of non-visible disabilities points to improve individual and collective awareness.

AICCA, a better future is possible

The priority objective of the AICCA association – formed by patients, but also by doctors, surgeons, psychologists and peer counselors operating within the Department of Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and Congenital Adult of the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato and in numerous locations throughout the country – is that of transform a difficult experience and which marks the life of so many children, young people and adults and their families, into a positive resource.
Offering help to congenital heart patients to overcome the problems of adolescence, for example, means allowing them to reach adulthood aware of their limitations but also of potential to build a future.

Among the most important goals achieved by AICCA there was also the recognition of National Congenital Heart Disease Day on February 14thannounced through a Directive of the President of the Council of Ministers in 2019. Having a National Day recognized by the Italian State means having the opportunity to increase information and awareness, supporting all people who suffer in silence and their families.

Other stories of Vanity Fair that may interest you:

Giulia: “When your daughter’s heart doesn’t beat well”

Alessandro, born with heart disease and now a sports coach

Sofia’s father: “Our little girl, fragile as ceramic”