Oak Park Library's Hidden Disabilities Healing Circle Offers Solace

The group provides a safe space for people with invisible illnesses to share their stories and find community.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:37pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a group of people gathered in a warm, cozy library setting, their forms and faces blurred into soft, glowing shapes of amber, ochre, and sage, conveying a sense of vulnerability, empathy, and connection.The hidden disabilities healing circle at the Oak Park Public Library offers a safe, supportive space for people to share their stories and find community.Oak Park Today

The Oak Park Public Library hosts a monthly healing circle for people with hidden disabilities, providing a supportive environment for them to openly discuss their experiences and challenges. The group is organized by library employee Shelley Harris, who has personal connections to disability advocacy through her brother and her own health conditions. The recent meeting featured four participants who spoke vulnerably about overcoming obstacles and finding a sense of belonging through the group.

Why it matters

Hidden disabilities, such as chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and neurological differences, often go unrecognized by the general public. This support group offers a rare opportunity for people with invisible disabilities to connect, share their stories, and feel understood in a judgment-free space.

The details

The hidden disabilities healing circle takes place in a small room at the Oak Park Public Library, where participants are prompted to discuss their personal growth, upcoming events, and current difficulties. A "speaking piece" - a toy figurine - is passed around to ensure only one person speaks at a time. The group is co-hosted by Harris and Nora Sanchez, a culture librarian at the library. Attendees have included Millie Grandt, who has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and Fredrick Kendricks, a self-diagnosed neurodivergent individual.

  • The healing circle has been hosted by the Oak Park Public Library since 2023.
  • The most recent meeting took place on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • The next hidden disabilities healing circle is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2026.

The players

Shelley Harris

An Oak Park Public Library employee who hosts the hidden disabilities healing circle. Harris has a personal connection to disability advocacy through her brother, who has Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, and her own autoimmune disease and neurodivergence.

Nora Sanchez

A culture librarian at the Oak Park Public Library who co-hosts the hidden disabilities healing circle with Shelley Harris.

Millie Grandt

A 75-year-old participant who has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a disease that causes scarring in her lungs.

Fredrick Kendricks

A self-diagnosed neurodivergent individual who travels from Chicago's Englewood neighborhood to attend the Oak Park Library's hidden disabilities healing circle.

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What they’re saying

“People won't know what's going on if you're not open and honest with them. If you keep things hidden, people don't realize what's out there.”

— Millie Grandt

“I like this particular healing circle as a healer myself from different modalities. I have an appreciation for healing as a primary step for moving a community forward.”

— Fredrick Kendricks

“This is definitely one of those supporting activities, if you will, that kind of supports my development, my sense of belonging.”

— Fredrick Kendricks

What’s next

The next hidden disabilities healing circle at the Oak Park Public Library is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The hidden disabilities healing circle at the Oak Park Public Library provides a vital space for people with invisible illnesses and conditions to find community, share their experiences, and feel understood. By creating a supportive and judgment-free environment, the group helps participants develop a stronger sense of belonging and empowers them to be more open about their challenges.