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Tim Reitsma Disability Inclusion Advocate, Founder at Invisible Condition

Tim helps individuals with non-apparent illnesses become better self-advocates through podcasts, articles, mentoring and Coaching. He also supports organizations in creating accessible workplaces where everyone feels safe to share through workshops, advising and project work.

Aside from working on Invisible Condition, Tim is a Podcast Host and Advisor with a leading HR and Leadership digital publication and is a Master of Arts in Leadership Student.

With over 15 years of experience in strategy, operations, HR, and content creation, Tim brings a blend of coaching, mentoring, leadership, and process improvement to every organization he partners with.

Recent Content

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Creating A Disability Inclusive World: Conversation With Tiffany Yu, Author Of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto &Raquo; Z23Uoow5Kapadtg527Doznalkxj6
Creating a Disability Inclusive World: Conversation with Tiffany Yu, Author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto

Send us a text"I kept getting the question, ‘How can we show up better for the disability community?’ And depending on who you are, the answer is different. That’s why I wrote a book about it. I…

Send us a text"I kep…

Send us a text"I kept getting the question, ‘How can we show up better for the disability community?’ And depending on who you are, the answer is different. That’s why I wrote a book about it. I hope this book can contribute to the conversation, not just about policy change but shifting hearts and minds, perspectives, and attitudes around disability." - Tiffany Yu, Founder & AuthorSummaryWhat if the way we think about disability is holding us back from true inclusion?It’s not just about policies or accommodations—it’s about the quiet assumptions, the words we use, and the cultu…

Listen · 48:33
Kait Redefines Balance: Living With Miserable Malalignment Syndrome &Raquo; 28Vuxorgyunrldaakojlqqav6Os8
Kait Redefines Balance: Living with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome

Send us a textWhat does it take to keep going when your health impacts everything, from work to hobbies to simply getting through the day? Kait shares her journey with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome,…

Send us a textWhat d…

Send us a textWhat does it take to keep going when your health impacts everything, from work to hobbies to simply getting through the day? Kait shares her journey with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome, a rare condition that’s led to years of chronic pain, countless surgeries, and tough conversations with doctors who didn’t always listen.We talk about how she found ways to adapt her life, the mental toll of giving up the things she loves, and the determination it took to advocate for herself and finally get a diagnosis. Kait’s story is honest and relatable—she shares how she’s learned …

Listen · 39:13
Balancing Life, Work, And Caregiving: A Personal Reflection - Journal Entry No. 10 &Raquo; Vs10Gbzqxzkmhhvdh34Rzxmkvzxt
Balancing Life, Work, and Caregiving: A Personal Reflection – Journal Entry No. 10

Send us a text“Being a caregiver isn’t easy. Please give yourself grace, be patient with yourself, and reach out for support. You don’t have to do it alone.”SummaryIn this heartfelt journal en…

Send us a text“Bei…

Send us a text“Being a caregiver isn’t easy. Please give yourself grace, be patient with yourself, and reach out for support. You don’t have to do it alone.”SummaryIn this heartfelt journal entry, Tim Reitsma (me), founder of InvisibleCondition.com, shares a vulnerable reflection on the challenges of Caregiving, balancing work, family, and advocacy. As a caregiver for his partner living with chronic conditions, Tim highlights the importance of community, grace, and asking for support. He calls attention to the often-overlooked struggles caregivers face, both at home and in the workplac…

Listen · 10:57
Finding A Way Forward: Navigating Stuckness And The Journey Of Acceptance - Deanna Debara &Raquo; Hkhvo3X7Wle3Licm96Fasiamnb0Q
Finding a Way Forward: Navigating Stuckness and the Journey of Acceptance – Deanna deBara

Send us a textWhat if the challenges of living with autoimmune conditions could actually lead to personal Growth and strength? That’s the journey Deanna deBara shares in this conversation. Living wi…

Send us a textWhat i…

Send us a textWhat if the challenges of living with autoimmune conditions could actually lead to personal growth and strength? That’s the journey Deanna deBara shares in this conversation. Living with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis, Deanna has transformed her experiences with chronic pain and fatigue into sources of resilience and inspiration.She opens up about managing her health while running a business, finding acceptance, and learning to advocate for herself. Deanna shares the powerful tools she uses to get ‘unstuck,’ such as rewriting negative stories, practicing…

Listen · 43:54
A Case Of The What Ifs - Journal Entry No. 9 &Raquo; O8Wkknm9Bxqcz7Er2Cxwjabni6R1
A Case of the What Ifs – Journal Entry No. 9

Send us a textSummaryI don't write things in a journal, I record them and sometimes I publish them... They are random thoughts, often unedited and sometimes make sense (to me).In this journal ent…

Send us a textSummar…

Send us a textSummaryI don't write things in a journal, I record them and sometimes I publish them... They are random thoughts, often unedited and sometimes make sense (to me).In this journal entry, I (Tim) explore the concept of 'what ifs' and how they can lead to negative thinking, particularly in the context of Mental Health and personal challenges. I share my experiences with self-sabotage and the importance of reframing negative thoughts into positive possibilities. I encourage listeners to embrace their feelings, seek support, and focus on the potential outcomes of their a…

Listen · 11:23
Crohn’s Disease, Leadership, And Breaking Stigma - Ted Fleming, Founder Of Partake Brewing &Raquo; Qhlfq2Afe0Opk4Mu3E5K92Cu9Agd
Crohn’s Disease, Leadership, and Breaking Stigma – Ted Fleming, Founder of Partake Brewing

Send us a textImagine being diagnosed with a chronic condition that changes your entire life—and instead of letting it hold you back, you use it as fuel to build a successful company. That’s exact…

Send us a textImagin…

Send us a textImagine being diagnosed with a chronic condition that changes your entire life—and instead of letting it hold you back, you use it as fuel to build a successful company. That’s exactly what Ted Fleming did. As the founder of Partake Brewing, Ted turned his experience with Crohn’s disease into a driving force behind a non-alcoholic beer brand that’s redefining the industry.Ted shares his journey of entrepreneurship, balancing his health with the pressures of leading a fast-growing business, and the lessons he’s learned about vulnerability, resilience, and self-awareness.…

Listen · 41:26
From Pain To Purpose: Lyme Disease, Self-Advocacy, And Finding Your Voice - Kenzie Vath &Raquo; Xtd3Hvqqmidbrq6Crdyea79Z8Cif
From Pain to Purpose: Lyme Disease, Self-Advocacy, and Finding your Voice – Kenzie Vath

Send us a textSummary:Imagine struggling with your health for over a decade, visiting doctor after doctor, only to be dismissed as dramatic or told that it’s all in your head. That was Kenzie Vath…

Send us a textSummar…

Send us a textSummary:Imagine struggling with your health for over a decade, visiting doctor after doctor, only to be dismissed as dramatic or told that it’s all in your head. That was Kenzie Vath’s reality before she finally received a diagnosis of Lyme disease at the age of 18—after suffering for 10 years. In today’s episode, Kenzie shares her powerful story of navigating chronic illness, enduring years of misdiagnosis, and how she found her voice through the struggle.As an advocate for those living with Lyme disease, Kenzie has turned her pain into purpose. She talks about the impor…

Listen · 45:52
Finding Moments Of Joy - Journal Entry No. 8 &Raquo; Nva66N6Qj09Funbnkm77Jwpyxhl2
Finding Moments of Joy – Journal Entry No. 8

Send us a textIn this episode of the Invisible Condition podcast, I share my personal journey of balancing life with a chronic illness, managing Stress, and pursuing Education. Reflecting on the chall…

Send us a textIn thi…

Send us a textIn this episode of the Invisible Condition podcast, I share my personal journey of balancing life with a chronic illness, managing stress, and pursuing education. Reflecting on the challenges of health and academic demands, I emphasize the importance of finding moments of joy even during difficult times. I encourage listeners to reflect on their personal growth and prioritize self-care while reminding them that it's okay to say no to commitments that don't align with their values.TakeawaysFinding moments of joy – Even in the midst of stress and challenges, it's i…

Listen · 8:49
Disclose Barriers, Provide Solutions: How To Empower Employees And Employers - Nate Toves &Raquo; Twehe7049Z2Wvie78Zjdw7In367W
Disclose Barriers, Provide Solutions: How to Empower Employees and Employers – Nate Toves

Send us a textSummary:In this episode of The Invisible Condition Podcast, Nate Toves from Neil Squire discusses the critical role of workplace inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. He emphasi…

Send us a textSummar…

Send us a textSummary:In this episode of The Invisible Condition Podcast, Nate Toves from Neil Squire discusses the critical role of workplace inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of disclosing barriers, rather than diagnoses, and highlights how employers have to provide accommodations. Nate explains the value of assessments and assistive Technology in tailoring solutions that meet individual needs and encourages employees to research available programs and funding to support these accommodations.Throughout the conversation, Nate shares positive experienc…

Listen · 52:20
I Can Finally Burp: Living With No-Burp Syndrome - Henry’s Story &Raquo; Ifka6W8Terr2199Puw2Sor1Brbxr
I Can Finally Burp: Living with No-Burp Syndrome – Henry’s Story

Send us a textImagine going through life without the ability to burp. You might think it’s no big deal but did you know, on average, we burp 10-20 times a day to release the air we take in?In this e…

Send us a textImagin…

Send us a textImagine going through life without the ability to burp. You might think it’s no big deal but did you know, on average, we burp 10-20 times a day to release the air we take in?In this episode, Henry shares his life with no-burp syndrome, also known as R-CPD. Henry talks about the physical and social challenges he faced, including countless doctor visits and misdiagnoses, until he finally found relief through an online community that led him to the right treatment.If you struggle with self-advocacy, this is for you! Henry talks about the importance of standing up for yourself in …

Listen · 38:39
How To Find Answers About Your Health Condition - Jess Dove London &Raquo; Wof7B1Ltv1Cxik0Sqb6Nlub587Hy
How to Find Answers About Your Health Condition – Jess Dove London

Send us a textImagine travelling halfway across the globe to learn about a treatment that would benefit your child. Endless research, countless unanswered questions, and the frustration of feeling lik…

Send us a textImagin…

Send us a textImagine travelling halfway across the globe to learn about a treatment that would benefit your child. Endless research, countless unanswered questions, and the frustration of feeling like you're the only one fighting for solutions. How do you keep going when the healthcare system falls short?In this episode, Jess Dove London, founder of Turnto.ai, shares her journey in seeking effective treatments for her child with cerebral palsy. Jess discusses the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the importance of accessing reliable health information, and how her app helps…

Listen · 47:19
What Is Effective Self-Advocacy: Reflections And Actions - Journal Entry No. 7 &Raquo; R3N72E3Rar45Slxcrk3Pn8C69Hkg
What is Effective Self-Advocacy: Reflections and Actions – Journal Entry No. 7

Send us a textWhat advice would you offer someone who is struggling to advocate for themself?What does it truly mean to advocate for yourself, and why is it often such a challenging journey? Living w…

Send us a textWhat a…

Send us a textWhat advice would you offer someone who is struggling to advocate for themself?What does it truly mean to advocate for yourself, and why is it often such a challenging journey? Living with Crohn's and arthritis has taught me the critical importance of self-advocacy, and through this journey, I've come to understand that demanding what you need is essential for personal well-being. In today's journal entry, I share my personal struggles and observations, offering a candid look into how self-advocacy has shaped my life. Listen as past interviewees like Leah Seth, D…

Listen · 8:08
Invisible Disabilities In The Workplace: Trust, Inclusion And Advocacy - Debbie Pearmain &Raquo; Rxkxpyo67Kpf92Cpx4Aag3Weh5Un
Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace: Trust, Inclusion and Advocacy – Debbie Pearmain

Send us a textHave you ever wondered how to successfully navigate the workplace with an invisible disability? Join us as we chat with Debbie Pearmain, an HR expert and leadership development coach, wh…

Send us a textHave y…

Send us a textHave you ever wondered how to successfully navigate the workplace with an invisible disability? Join us as we chat with Debbie Pearmain, an HR expert and leadership development coach, who shares her invaluable insights on self-advocacy and building trust with your manager.Learn practical strategies to communicate your challenges and propose solutions, ensuring that individuals with invisible conditions can excel professionally. Debbie also discusses the broader context of disability inclusion, stressing the importance of equitable treatment and the elimination of biases in workpl…

Listen · 51:57
When Doctors Don’t Believe You: Living With Endometriosis - Katie Donlevie &Raquo; T0Yksgzr9R52Zho7G6Kzm414Ut2I
When Doctors Don’t Believe You: Living with Endometriosis – Katie Donlevie

Send us a textWhat happens when the medical system fails to acknowledge your pain, and how do you find the strength to keep advocating for yourself? This episode promises an intimate and powerful conv…

Send us a textWhat h…

Send us a textWhat happens when the medical system fails to acknowledge your pain, and how do you find the strength to keep advocating for yourself? This episode promises an intimate and powerful conversation with Katie, founder of Revive and Thrive Coaching and host of "My Chronic Illness and Me" podcast. Katie takes us through her journey with endometriosis, where relentless self-advocacy became her lifeline amidst repeated dismissals by healthcare professionals. She shares the crucial role of finding a supportive community and how it transformed her experience from isolation to empowerment.…

Listen · 53:53
Self-Advocacy, Colonoscopy Results, And Manic Muffins - Journal Entry No. 6 &Raquo; Ijiyi2X5Z5Nidjrgg94Hdrbgxc1K
Self-Advocacy, Colonoscopy Results, and Manic Muffins – Journal Entry No. 6

Send us a textHey, it's Tim! Just wanted to share a bit about my recent adventures with Crohn's disease. So, I had a scope done recently and, surprise! Mild inflammation in multiple spots. Y…

Send us a textHey, i…

Send us a textHey, it's Tim! Just wanted to share a bit about my recent adventures with Crohn's disease. So, I had a scope done recently and, surprise! Mild inflammation in multiple spots. Yeah, it's a bit frustrating, but I'm choosing to stay hopeful. After all, it’s not severe, and that's a win!In this short episode, I talk about hope, scopes, advocacy, and developing a muffin recipe while on prednisone. Let me tell you about my “manic muffins” story. When I was on a high dose of steroids, I couldn’t Sleep. So, I started baking at 3 AM. My family eventually b…

Listen · 4:40
Finding Hope: Advocating For Mental Health And Suicide Awareness - Sophia Lim-Metz &Raquo; Voic0P10Gtcmsltc25Zol8793258
Finding Hope: Advocating for Mental Health and Suicide Awareness – Sophia Lim-Metz

Send us a textImagine being an elite athlete, outwardly thriving but internally battling major Depression, generalized Anxiety, and social anxiety. That’s the reality for our guest, Sophia Lim-Metz,…

Send us a textImagin…

Send us a textImagine being an elite athlete, outwardly thriving but internally battling major depression, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety. That’s the reality for our guest, Sophia Lim-Metz, an 18-year-old who courageously opens up about her mental health journey. Sophia's story begins with an identity crisis after stepping away from hockey and navigating the mental health system post-suicide attempt in her grade 10 year. We bring light on the often unseen struggles and the critical importance of caregivers and support systems in her recovery.Sophia's brave decision to shar…

Listen · 40:05
Migraines And Concussions: Advocating For Diagnosis And Treatment - Dr. Briar Sexton &Raquo; Awowhhcz08Ijuwz0Xvydz7Mov9E8
Migraines and Concussions: Advocating for Diagnosis and Treatment – Dr. Briar Sexton

Send us a textCan chronic migraines and concussions be as debilitating as severe strokes or daily dialysis? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Briar Sexton, a dedicated physician from British Columb…

Send us a textCan ch…

Send us a textCan chronic migraines and concussions be as debilitating as severe strokes or daily dialysis? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Briar Sexton, a dedicated physician from British Columbia, to dive into the profound impact these invisible conditions have on quality of life. We explore the tough realities of diagnosing and managing chronic migraines, often overlooked due to their daily occurrence. Dr. Sexton shares her expertise on potential triggers, the value of keeping a headache diary, and the crucial need for self-advocacy to get the right diagnosis and treatment.We also tack…

Listen · 46:32
Seizures, Surgeries And Living Authentically: Talking About Epilepsy - Jonathan Tuteur &Raquo; Ez4Yzlj7Wz5Bqin0Dcm7Z71Ihgn2
Seizures, Surgeries and Living Authentically: Talking About Epilepsy – Jonathan Tuteur

Send us a textYou have your first few seizures and people tell you not to share your diagnosis of epilepsy because they are afraid for you. Afraid of the potential shame and discrimination you will fa…

Send us a textYou ha…

Send us a textYou have your first few seizures and people tell you not to share your diagnosis of epilepsy because they are afraid for you. Afraid of the potential shame and discrimination you will face. While this is well-intentioned, you do the opposite.In this podcast episode, we hear from Jon Tuteur, who shares his experiences of living with epilepsy after being diagnosed at 30. Jon talks about enduring over 500 seizures and undergoing three brain surgeries. Despite these challenges, he focuses on the positives that have emerged from his condition and emphasizes the importance of staying o…

Listen · 49:33

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