We are reclaiming the word disability from its negative associations and connotations and celebrating the fact that this is about all of us. We are talking about disability and to disabled people in all walks of life and at every level in society.
Identity means very different things to different people and it can change many times in a lifetime.
For many people a big change in identity can come from being someone who doesn’t think of themselves as having a disability or long-term condition to someone who does.
This could be by:
Having a disability is normal. It might just be a new normal for the individual. It is society and employers that need to recognise that having a disability doesn’t make the person “one of them”. They are one of us – the majority over time not a minority
Read our latest blogs on mental health and Looking Beyond Labels
We are bringing people from the business world together to share their experiences and learn from each other.
Our annual film festival for disabled students explores the theme of identity and what it means to be disabled
To get involved in our campaign, please email us
Disabled people face daily barriers getting into employment, getting on in their careers and even getting to work.
Nearly half as many disabled people are unemployed compared to people without a disability. From inaccessible online recruitment processes to unnecessary requirements in job descriptions disabled people are excluded from demonstrating their talent and potential to employers.
Targeted career development opportunities to unlock the potential of future disabled leaders is scarce and disabled people in employment are more likely to report higher levels of dissatisfaction with their employer,
Getting to work or traveling for work can be a daily challenge for disabled people faced with inaccessible public transport. From steps and broken lifts to announcements that they cannot hear or see the daily commute can be a reason not to accept a job offer or to be unable to stay in work.
These are not just problems for disabled people; they are problems for employers and the UK and global economy.
Employers are missing out on the best talent. Numerous studies have shown that having a diverse workforce directly affects. the bottom line of business. Employers cannot afford to overlook the potential of a significant proportion of the population – particularly in countries where the population is ageing. The majority of disabled people acquire their disability during their working life. Having them drop out of work is just not an option for a thriving business or economy.
The spending power of disabled people is estimated at £250 billion and yet many still find it almost impossible to get into buildings and websites, get on with everyday activities or get there on inaccessible public transport.
Despite legislation in the UK and in countries across the globe many shops, restaurants and buildings exclude disabled people, their friends and family from spending their money with them. Rapid advances in technology are made every day and yet websites are still designed to exclude disabled people from digital revolution.
All this means that getting on with everyday life from shopping to paying utility bills and banking or even getting an education can be an everyday challenge for disabled people.
Inaccessible public transport or attitudes that exclude and discriminate mean that traveling for leisure is a chore rather than a vacation for many disabled people.
These are problems disabled people face on a day to day basis but the problem is not theirs alone. Inaccessible businesses are missing out on the spending power of not just disabled people but their friends and family as well. Disabled people want to shop, eat and drink out, go on holiday, use leisure facilities and visit attractions with family and friends. Businesses that exclude them risk losing a significant customer base. Disabled people also have the right – legally and morally to manage their own money and households and be active participants in their local communities and society.
Loading, Please Wait