| Invisible Disabilities Association of Canada | |
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Invisible Disabilities 640 Main St., Apt.4 Phone: (902) 542-5862 Email: idacan@ns.sympatico.ca |
| I.D.A.Can. Information
If anyone can, I.D.A. can! |
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Organization  |
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WelcomeWelcome to the new web site for the Invisible Disabilities Association of Canada. The organization’s mandate has changed to encompass physical and mental illnesses/disabilities invisible to the naked eye and/or not easily picked up by objective tests. Our site reflects the concerns of these groups of people. I.D.A.Can. recognizes the importance of research and keeping issues up front with policy makers. We support these in ways not apparent at first glance. For example, they are not addressed on the site. People need help in finding solutions to physical, financial, emotional and familial problems. Too many people are not receiving attention because they do not fit the profile of someone with a physical or mental illness/disability. When the private challenges are less urgent we encourage and walk along side as they form groups to work towards change in our society. We bring awareness to the concerns of those living with an invisible disability/illness, encourage action to alleviate some of these problems/challenges, and work for change in the political arena.
Mission StatementTo assist those with physical/mental invisible disabilities, their families, the medical and legal professionals by providing information, encouraging research, promoting public awareness and providing support services. A Message From Shirley The Invisible Disabilities Association of Canada has changed its mandate to include invisible mental disabilities/illnesses. Many people are not receiving attention because they do not fit the profile of someone with a mental illness. We hope to bring awareness to the concerns of those living with an invisible mental disability/illness. If you or a loved one suffers from an invisible mental disability/illness please let us know. We offer a safe environment and confidentiality is maintained. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to call me at (902) 542-5862. I look forward to hearing from you - Shirley
The Invisible Disabilities Association of Canada is a not for profit organization made up of volunteers who give their time to assist those with illnesses/disabilities resulting from having a physical or mental illness. Our mandate is: to assist those with physical/mental invisible disabilities, their families, the medical and legal professionals by providing information, encouraging research, promoting public awareness and providing support services. There are several ways the organization fulfills its mandate:
The individual needs vary from person to person. We do not hesitate to refer people to other organizations, we have referral lists of doctors, alternative practitioners, lawyers, organic farmers, natural food stores, local support group leaders, and links to other organizations working towards similar ends. Funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Health, Foundations, local businesses and individuals make it possible to help people by providing monies to produce and distribute pamphlets, offer workshops, and provide books and materials for education purposes. If you wish to donate to I.D.A.Can. please contact the office at (902) 542-5862
The Rose 
We have chosen the light pink rose as our symbol. It represents admiration and sympathy (we prefer the word ‘empathy’). There are many people walking near you in stores, post offices, banks, and in malls who suffer with one or more chronic illness, whether physical or mental. If you knew their stories, you could not help but admire them. They are courageous, determined people motivated by an inner spirit to not give up but lead productive lives whatever that takes. You could not tell they are disabled by looking at them. However, just keep it in mind when you are in a hurry and waiting for someone to finish a conversation or move faster that this may be a person with an invisible disability. We hope others will have empathy, a better form of sympathy for us. Empathy is a positive feeling. Sympathy equates pity. We do not want pity from you. However, try to experience life in our shoes, if only in your imagination. It will go a long way towards treating people with invisible disabilities with compassion and understanding. The Turtle 
I am sure you have heard the story of the tortoise and the hare. The hare (rabbit) was so sure of himself and his abilities that he played around instead of running the race, even taking some time for a nap because the tortoise was so slow. In the meantime, the tortoise was plodding along, pacing himself and eventually passed the hare and won the race. The moral of this story is "slow and steady wins the race". This is why we have adopted the turtle as our symbol. WE FEEL THAT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM INVISIBLE DISABILITIES, PHYSICAL AND/OR MENTAL DISABILITIES, CAN WIN THE RACE. THEY DO THIS BY TAKING ONE STEP AT A TIME TOWARDS THE GOAL OF WELLNESS. THEY DO NOT GIVE UP! 
I.D.A.Can was founded in 1999 by Shirley Soleil. Shirley, who copes with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Environmental Sensitivities, is a counsellor, public speaker, and writer. She wrote most of the material on the I.D.A.Can site. Shirley is willing to address the emotional needs as people move through the appeal process. Her website, Shirley & You, provides more information on her background and the services she provides, or you can contact her at shirley@shirleyandyou.com
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