The Disabled Experience: Our Stories

Yejin: 10,000 Able Interns Accounts Manager

As a person with an invisible disability, I find disclosure to be the most difficult step in any social setting as others are completely unaware of my identity as a disabled person. There is always an awkward pause, a comment of sympathy, or a surprised response where the other person "never would have guessed".

During my job search, I was often concerned that disclosing my disability would adversely affect my candidacy and suitability to the role. I was unsure of when, how, and to whom I had to communicate about my disability adjustments, or where I fall within the company’s diversity and inclusion space.

I believe the 10,000 Able Interns Programme helps students overcome this difficulty by welcoming disclosed disabilities as assets instead of a disadvantage. Participating companies are well-aware of the candidates’ disabilities and dedicated to providing flexible accommodations throughout the recruitment process and internships.

Brindan: Intern

As a person with a visual impairment, taking part in the pilot able interns scheme has been monumental in improving my confidence in the workplace.

The scheme provides a work opportunity that is not only safe and accommodating but is also realistic and meaningful. This allowed me to learn more about how my disability may hinder my ability to carry out real world work whilst also giving me the space to work through these challenges. Often this simply meant getting the appropriate arrangements made, exploring different ways to adapt or opening up honest and open communication with my colleagues.

For example, my visual impairment often made meetings difficult where I would be unable to view the drawings or notes my colleagues would jot down to explain a task. In situations like these, I learnt that although the comfortable option is to avoid bringing up such issues, your colleagues only want you to do the best job you can and so they will always be willing to help. In this case all that I required was for the diagrams to be drawn larger and to be given a copy of the notes to keep after the meeting.

Emma: Intern

Disability has definitely made my education and life a lot more challenging. I've had to navigate additional barriers. This year, I embarked on my year abroad in France and made the decision to study my course in French.?

I've had different responses throughout the application process, ranging from people being incredibly flexible and others being reluctant to consider any reasonable adjustments. The attitude towards disability has certainly improved in the last few years however there is so much progress to be made.

I think employers need to actively seek to improve their recruitment process and get feedback from people going through the process. To drive progress, employers need to continue these conversations. Mentoring programmes are a great start and have certainly helped me on my way but to really make a difference, we must directly address these barriers to influence wider change and collaborate to move faster.

Ali: Intern

Feeling comfortable enough to disclose a disability is perhaps one of the toughest challenges one may face. The fear that a person may be considered less able compared to a non-disabled person can be incredibly stifling. As someone with a visual impairment, I have experienced many personal and professional challenges related to my disability. However, these challenges have shaped how I navigate the world and workplace, and I would encourage others to follow a similar path.?

My experience with how a visual impairment is responded to in social settings and the workplace has been relatively similar. In both cases, I have found the individuals I interact with to be curious and encouraging. The challenge with a visual impairment is that it can be difficult to articulate the extent of your disability. While I never withheld my eye condition from people, I used to be apprehensive about explaining my disability and needs. However, I now realise that such apprehension is unfounded. People are generally willing to help and do not mind having lengthy conversations to understand how they can help you excel.?

There are ongoing conversations about what disabled individuals need from the world and the workplace. I feel it is apt to discuss a relatively neglected subject – what I, as a visually impaired individual, can offer as I believe the relationship is reciprocal. In exchange for being understanding, open-minded, and proactive, I believe transparency is crucial. Downplaying the severity of a disability has not only set me back but has also provided personal and professional obstacles that could have been avoided by engaging in tough conversations earlier. Being resourceful is also a quality I believe is useful. Finding solutions to envisaged challenges rather than burying one’s head in the sand helps you demonstrate your can-do attitude and value.