U.K. Launches Program to Raise Awareness of Invisible Illnesses

Signs are appearing outside restrooms in the United Kingdom to advise members of the public that not all disabilities are visible.

MORE: While there is currently no known cure for IPF, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms.

According to a report from the BBC, the signs are being posted to help those who have invisible illnesses and to help change public perception. The signs use the word “accessible” instead of “disabled,” and have been adopted by some supermarkets and other businesses. In fact, this week the Premier League soccer club, Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) became the first club to put the signs outside their public restrooms.

The move has been welcomed by many who suffer from chronic illnesses but do not require a wheelchair or have any obvious signs of their health struggles. It helps to break down barriers and address stereotypes, as well as remind people not to make assumptions about the health of others based solely on appearances.

It looks like these signs will become the norm for public restrooms in the U.K. and hopefully other countries follow suit.

MORE: Wondering how you can better manage you pulmonary fibrosis? Find out more here. 

Recognising not all disabilities are visible with signage at White Hart Lane today. @lpftweets @CrohnsColitisUK #COYS pic.twitter.com/4CJRFaxz7V

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 19, 2017

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