CWGHR understands lifelong episodic disabilities as characterized by fluctuating periods and degrees of disability over time.  Examples include arthritis, multiple sclerosis, HIV, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, lupus, as well as some forms of cancer, mental illness, and arthritis. One of the primary distinguishing characteristics of episodic disabilities is their unpredictability.  Income support, health benefits, workplace and care policies that do not address the episodic nature of many disabilities can present challenges to people living with episodic disabilities.