CS6b: Panel: Invisible and Mental Health Disability in Statistics and Related Diverse Fields

Invisible and mental health disabilities are conditions that profoundly impact an individual's daily life, yet they are not readily apparent to others. These disabilities can encompass chronic physical illnesses such as diabetes and fibromyalgia, neurological disorders like epilepsy, and mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizoaffective disorder. Due to their hidden nature, individuals with these conditions often encounter skepticism, stigma, and a lack of understanding from those around them. Nevertheless, many disability rights laws recognize invisible and mental health disabilities, aiming to safeguard individuals in areas such as employment, education, and access to services. The primary protections provided by the law include: • Protection against discrimination • Access to reasonable accommodations (e.g., flexible schedules, quiet workspaces, therapy breaks) • Confidentiality regarding mental health information • Equal access to education, housing, employment, and public services This panel will feature a diverse group of speakers focusing on mental health and mental health disabilities, particularly in navigating careers in statistics and related fields. Topics will include employer-employee relationships, benefits, strategies for approaching managers, fostering open communication, and support from management and teams, as well as discussing the pros and cons and workplace discrimination. As a prospective candidate for the ASA Committee on Statistics and Disability, it would be an honor for me to organize and chair this panel. As someone who personally experiences mental health challenges, I believe this session will provide valuable information to many others like me who are navigating their careers while ensuring their wel