Navigating the world of employment can be challenging for most people but for those who have Cerebral Palsy, the journey is often littered with additional barriers. There are so many misconceptions about CP but the one which really bothers me is the assumption that people with CP can’t work. Those with Cerebral Palsy bring unique perspectives, talents and resilience to the workforce. My own journey demonstrates the value of these attributes.

My first encounter with the world of work came during my Business Management degree at Oxford Brookes University. The third year of my studies required me to undertake a paid work placement. I chose this option very deliberately. I was very aware that my disability would put me at a disadvantage when it came to finding work.  I thought having a year’s experience under my belt before I graduated would help.

Facing Discrimination: A harsh reality in the job market

Unfortunately, even finding that experience proved to be really difficult. Whilst my peers secured placements relatively easily, I made dozens of applications which went nowhere. I eventually secured an interview and although I was nervous, I felt it went well and I was quietly confident.  That confidence came crashing down when I received an email from the CEO of the company. He said I’d preformed well at interview. However, he couldn’t offer me the role as his clients wouldn’t understand me due to my speech impediment. Though not entirely surprised, I was gobsmacked at his out-right discrimination. He hadn’t even attempted to hide it.

I was sad, angry and frustrated. How was I ever going to join the workforce with some blatant discrimination?  But I didn’t let the CEO off the hook. He deserved a piece of my mind! I emailed him, thanking him for his feedback and told him it was him who had loss out.  I explained that my disability had given me many unique skills and that as well as underestimating me, he was doing his clients a disservice. I continued by informing him that there were many ways I could communicate with clients and that I could make myself understood.  My parting shot was that by dismissing me, he’d lost a major asset to his team.

Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

And that was absolutely true. My disability has given me so many skills, so much knowledge and experience that absolutely makes me valuable in the workplace. Little did I know, I was on the verge of proving it.  As the deadline for securing a placement loomed, I approached the Career Service at Oxford Brookes for support. They offered to phone around locally to seek opportunities for me. Coincidently, Reading Borough Council were collaborating with Scope on a project to help disabled and disadvantaged people into work. They needed a Project Assistant and given my very recent experiences, who better for the job?!

It was right up my street and meant I’d be using my skills and experience to help others who were in a similar situation. I absolutely loved my job and I was passionate about breaking down the barriers for disabled people. As I developed new skills, my confidence grew. I was soon co-ordinating events and delivering presentations to partners as well as employers.  The project was so successful that it became a charity and upon graduation, I returned to work as Project Co-ordinator.

From Employment to Entrepreneurship: Building my Training Business

Eventually, having developed skills at delivering training, I decided to move on and set up my own Disability Training Business. I regularly deliver speeches at Disability Conferences and a big aspect of my work now is delivering Disability Awareness Assemblies for schools. I believe the key to an inclusive future is educating children about disability and equality.

I also work for Birmingham City University as an Expert by Experience on their Social Work BSC course.  My role is to support the students’ learning through role plays. This enables them to practice the skills they will need when interacting with clients.  Again, the skills and experience I have as a disabled person makes this a perfect role for me and it’s making a positive difference for others.

Whilst I appreciate that having a disability such as Cerebral Palsy can make employment difficult, the recent prominence in working from home has opened up more opportunities for disabled people to work.  As my story demonstrates, the unique skills and experience that disabled people develop through navigating life’s challenges should be seen as valuable attributes in the workplace.