Thriving Beyond Silence
Our Mission
To empower and advocate for individuals with silent (invisible and dynamic) disabilities by providing resources, fostering understanding, awareness and ensuring no one suffers in silence, promoting a life of endless possibilities through education, support, and community engagement.
Our Vision
A world where individuals with silent disabilities are empowered to lead a life free from suffering in silence, thriving out loud with endless possibilities.
Founder's Story
Founded by Ashley Jones, Persons with Silent Disabilities Association (PwSD) was born from a personal journey through years of unexplained illness, chronic pain, and feeling unheard by healthcare providers. Though Ashley appeared healthy, working, parenting, and living a “normal” life she silently battled autoimmune and rheumatic disease, only diagnosed after years of advocating for herself.
Her experience revealed a deeper issue: systems often overlook symptoms of those whose disabilities are not visible. Discovering there was a universal term invisible disabilities gave language to her struggle and sparked a mission to advocate for others living with unseen conditions. PwSD exists to amplify these voices, validate their experiences, foster understanding, and push for recognition in healthcare, workplaces, and society at large.
Our Team
The PwSD team is a dedicated group of professionals and advocates united by a shared mission: to support and empower individuals with silent disabilities. We bring together diverse expertise in healthcare, education, advocacy, and community engagement to create an environment where every person seen, every voice heard, and every individual valued. By combining lived experience with professional knowledge, we gain a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those with invisible conditions.
Our culture is rooted in purpose and powered by empathy. We value authentic communication, shared leadership, and holistic well-being:
- Purpose-Driven Work: Every initiative is rooted in advocacy and inclusion.
- Empathy in Action: We honor unseen struggles and respond with kindness.
- Authentic Communication: We listen deeply and speak truth with love.
- Wellness First: Self-care is not optional. It is how we sustain our mission.
Our Belief: Advocacy starts at home, with how we treat ourselves and each other. We are committed to breaking down barriers, increasing access to resources, and nurturing a community centered on empowerment, resilience, and holistic well-being.
Our Programs & Resources
We are busy behind the scenes developing meaningful programs to support, educate, and connect individuals with silent disabilities. These offerings are designed to meet real-life needs, foster community, and empower people to thrive out loud.
Here’s a snapshot of what we’re already doing and what’s coming soon:
Already underway:
- Children’s Engagement: Powered by our signature program, Coloring the Invisible™, PwSD provides creative, hands-on activities that help children explore emotions, empathy, and invisible experiences in homes, schools, and youth-serving spaces.
- Resource Navigation: Personalized 1:1 support helping families navigate insurance, complex paperwork, and appointment assistance, as well as accessing practical tools, guidance, and community-based resources tailored to their unique needs.
- Self-Advocacy & Wellness: Workshops that empower individuals to navigate healthcare, build resilience, and practice holistic self-care.
- Support Groups & Community Events: Safe spaces for connection, shared experiences, and encouragement.
Coming Soon:
- Workplace & Employee Training: Targeted training for employers and staff on invisible disabilities, confidentiality standards, and creating inclusive, flexible work cultures.
- Companion Care: Friendly, emotional support, and companionship to assist with daily tasks and reduce isolation.
- Educational Guides: Practical tools designed to raise awareness and equip supporters to be better allies.
- Research Development & Policy Improvement: Driving systemic change through data-driven advocacy for economic justice, sensory accessibility, and bridging the gap between legislation and the lived experience.
… to name a few. Stay connected! There is so much more on the way, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
