Disability is not always easy to recognize
People often form conclusions based on what they can see.
An employee appears capable one day and struggles the next. A customer needs additional time or a different way to communicate. Someone asks for assistance even though nothing appears visibly wrong.
Invisible and fluctuating disabilities challenge many common assumptions about what disability looks like and what a person should be able to do.
That matters because employees and customers experience an organization through everyday interactions.
The way someone is spoken to, questioned, assisted, believed, accommodated, or dismissed can shape whether that person experiences the organization as accessible and respectful—or unnecessarily difficult to navigate.
Better understanding changes how people respond
This seminar helps participants understand how invisible and fluctuating disabilities can affect everyday workplace and customer interactions.
Lucy examines why a person’s capacity may change, why appearance is not always a reliable indicator of ability, and how common assumptions can unintentionally create barriers.
Participants will consider how communication, patience, flexibility, and greater awareness can improve interactions without requiring employees to become medical experts.
The objective is practical understanding.
Participants should leave better prepared to recognize situations in which disability may not be immediately apparent and respond in ways that preserve dignity while helping people access the support, service, or understanding they need.
What participants will explore
The seminar examines what invisible and fluctuating disability can look like in everyday life, why someone’s capabilities may change from one day—or even one hour—to another, and how misconceptions about disability can affect both employees and customers.
Participants will also consider why someone may need additional time, flexibility, assistance, or a different form of communication, and how employees can respond when they do not fully understand what another person is experiencing.
The emphasis is not on diagnosing conditions. It is on helping people recognize that there may be more happening than they can immediately see—and respond more thoughtfully.
Who should attend
This seminar is relevant for organizations that employ people, serve customers, interact with the public, or want employees to develop a stronger understanding of disability.
It is particularly relevant for managers, Human Resources and People & Culture professionals, customer-service teams, frontline employees, supervisors, directors, business owners, L&D professionals, and others responsible for employee or customer experience.
No prior disability training is required.
About Lucy Kovalova-Woods
Lucy Kovalova-Woods brings more than 15 years of experience across healthcare, patient engagement, disability inclusion, organizational strategy, and transformation.
She serves as a Board Member with the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, Regional Ambassador with the International Association of Patient Organizations, Patient & Family Advisor with Alberta Health Services, and Founder of WKG Foundation.
Her work combines professional experience with lived experience to help organizations better understand disability and the people they employ and serve.
Seminar details
Format: Live Online
Duration: 2 Hours
Tuition: CA$245 per participant
Instructor: Lucy Kovalova-Woods
Hosted by: Seattle Consulting Group
Participants will receive seminar access information before the program.
This seminar provides educational information and lived-experience perspective. It is not medical advice, legal advice, or jurisdiction-specific disability compliance training.
REGISTER FOR THE SEMINAR
Bring this program to your organization
Organizations may also arrange a private presentation of Invisible and Fluctuating Disabilities at Work for their employees, managers, or customer-facing teams.
Private programs allow organizations to bring the conversation directly to their people and create a shared understanding across teams.
For private organizational training, contact Seattle Consulting Group.
ASK ABOUT A PRIVATE WORKSHOP
There is often more happening than we can see
Most people do not intend to exclude, dismiss, or misunderstand someone living with a disability.
But good intentions are not always enough.
People make decisions based on what they believe they see. Invisible and fluctuating disabilities remind us that appearance does not always tell the whole story.
When employees understand that, they are better prepared to interact with colleagues and customers with greater awareness, patience, and respect.
Invisible and Fluctuating Disabilities at Work
Presented by Lucy Kovalova-Woods
2 Hours Live Online | CA$245
REGISTER NOW
Cancellation, Refund, and Transfer Policy
Cancellations received in writing at least 30 days before the seminar start date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations received 14 to 29 days before the seminar start date are eligible for a 50 percent refund. Cancellations received fewer than 14 days before the seminar begins are non-refundable.
A participant who cannot attend may request one transfer to a future scheduled Invisible and Fluctuating Disabilities at Work seminar instead of cancelling, subject to availability. If tuition for the future seminar differs from the amount originally paid, the applicable difference will apply.
Seattle Consulting Group reserves the right to reschedule or cancel an Invisible and Fluctuating Disabilities at Work seminar. If Seattle Consulting Group cancels the seminar and the participant elects not to transfer to another available date, tuition paid will be refunded.
Program Disclaimer
Invisible and Fluctuating Disabilities at Work provides workplace education and practical guidance related to disability inclusion and workplace understanding. It does not constitute legal, medical, employment, Human Resources, accommodation, or other professional advice, and participation does not create a consulting or advisory relationship with Seattle Consulting Group.
Organizations and participants remain responsible for determining how seminar concepts should be applied within their own circumstances, policies, accommodation processes, and applicable laws.