Bill Text: DE SR23 | 2025-2026 | 153rd General Assembly | Draft

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Bill Title: Proclaiming The Week Of October 18-24, 2026, As Invisible Disabilities Week.

Sponsorship: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-2)

Status: (Engrossed) 2026-06-18 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES [SR23 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2025-SR23-Draft.html

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SPONSOR:	Sen. Poore
Sens. Cruce, Hansen, Hoffner, Huxtable, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Sturgeon, Walsh, Wilson

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 23

PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 18-24, 2026, AS “INVISIBLE DISABILITIES WEEK”.

WHEREAS, the Invisible Disabilities Association describes an invisible disability as one that is not readily apparent from a person’s appearance alone; and

WHEREAS, invisible disabilities may range in impact from minor impairments to conditions that are completely disabling; and

WHEREAS, the term invisible disability is often used to highlight the historic disregard such disabilities have faced, though “hidden disability” and “non-apparent disability” are also commonly used terms; and

WHEREAS, according to the Invisible Disabilities Association, approximately 20% of all Americans live with some kind of invisible disability, amounting to nearly 66 million Americans; and

WHEREAS, a 2024 report on chronic disease prevalence in the U.S. by the Centers for Disease Control finds that approximately 40% of all Americans live with a chronic illness, amounting to an estimated 129 million Americans; and

WHEREAS, United States Census Bureau data from 2024 reveals that approximately 10% of Delaware residents live with a disability, whether visible or invisible, amounting to nearly 100,000 Delawareans; and

WHEREAS, invisible disabilities include developmental disabilities, chronic neurological conditions, chronic autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, chronic pain, sensory disabilities, as well as other non-apparent medical conditions; and

WHEREAS, despite not being visually apparent, invisible disabilities can significantly impact a person’s daily life; and

WHEREAS, a person with an invisible disability may benefit from greater understanding, compassion, and support in their day-to-day interactions; and

WHEREAS, people living with invisible disabilities are often subject to the general stigma around disabilities, as well as additional skepticism due to the non-visible nature of their conditions; and

WHEREAS, the experiences and needs of people with invisible disabilities are often diminished because their disabilities are not readily visible; and

WHEREAS, people living with invisible disabilities may face accusations they are exaggerating or misrepresenting their conditions; and

WHEREAS, invisible disabilities are often underrepresented in academic research and population surveys, contributing to a lack of awareness of the existence of invisible disabilities; and

WHEREAS, raising awareness about invisible disabilities can promote understanding of the unseen experiences that shape many people’s lives and encourage empathy and kindness; and

WHEREAS, the sunflower is an internationally recognized symbol used to communicate that a person may have an invisible disability and may benefit from greater understanding, accommodation, and patience.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the members of the Senate recognize and support Delawareans living with invisible disabilities and hereby recognize October 18th to October 24th, 2026, as Invisible Disabilities Week in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the people of Delaware to approach the topic of invisible disabilities with open-mindedness and support their fellow Delawareans who live with unseen disabilities, including by recognizing that individuals displaying the sunflower symbol may benefit from greater understanding, accommodation, and patience.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution declares the week of October 18–24, 2026, as “Invisible Disabilities Week” in the State of Delaware and encourages increased public awareness, understanding, and compassion for people living with invisible disabilities.

Author: Senator Poore