Building an inclusive culture for all

Building an inclusive world needs pioneers and heroes. It needs go-getters and needs trailblazers. It needs those who aspire and inspire.

Jo-Ann Moran encompasses it all. She is constantly challenging the status quo. Constantly pushing herself.

This International Women’s Day, you will see the importance of this year’s theme: #BalanceForBetter. The 2019 initiative is aimed at gender equality, a greater awareness of discrimination and a celebration of women's achievements, according to the International Women's Day website. That includes reducing the global pay gap between men and women and making sure all are equal – and balanced – in activist movements, boardrooms and beyond. 

Taking this from women with disabilities viewpoint, Jo-Ann is registered deafblind due to a rare condition called Usher Syndrome, a generic condition that affects both her hearing and sight. She has fought great adversity in society where the imbalance for her covered around her education, employment, her right to health care, sports, and social interaction.

It limits opportunities.

Her personal journey began in January 2016 where she hit rock bottom. No energy. Lost her on-going battle to prove that people with disabilities can add value in the workplace.

After a one-to-one session with her CEO, she remembers the words: “Jo-Ann, I know you, I know your work. This situation is not your fault.”

It gave her encouragement. It gave her confidence. Jo-Ann adopted the daily motto: “Life is like a battery. It can’t fully function without both the positive and negative.”

She became fully charged. It was the start of her confidence.

Her confidence grew and stemmed from the inbuilt accessibility features within Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 where assistive technology she was able to be as productive as she can be creative and impactful. Jo-Ann is particularly a huge fan of Office Lens, where she can interact and be confident in her work and home life.

She now taking on a Leadership Academy programme, and about to study an MBA.  Jo-Ann works in the Diversity and Inclusion space within the Home Office, promoting her passion for an inclusive workplace that works for all, using the art of storytelling to build awareness of disability issues.

Jo-Ann was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to disabled people in the Public Sector in the Queens 2018 New Year’s Honours List.

She leaves on a stylist note, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

That you can Jo-Ann. That you can. Her most amazing blog is here.

Happy International Women’s Day.