UK Disability History Month
Written by Nadia Johnstone-Smith
Thursday 14th November 2024 marked the start of UK Disability History Month. The theme for this year is Disability, Livelihood, and Employment.
Individuals living with disabilities are often viewed as being synonymous with unemployment, reliance on State Benefits, and lack of employment prospects. Of course, we know that this is not true, and those living and working with disabilities are a valuable addition to the workforce.
As of Q2 2023, there were 5.1 million disabled people in employment in the UK. The House of Commons confirmed there were an estimated 16.1 million people in the UK with a disability in 2022/23, accounting for 24 per cent of the total population.
Over the past few years, increased protection against discrimination and the requirement for reasonable adjustments in the workplace have provided additional support for workers living with a disability. Although improvements have been made, there is still a long way to go to reduce stereotypes, barriers and prejudices that still have a profound impact.
According to Scope, the disability employment gap is 29 per cent. The disability employment gap measures the difference between the employment rate of disabled people, compared to that of non-disabled people.
Further research from Scope in terms of attitudes towards disability shows the following:
Disabled people and their families experience a range of different attitudes and behaviours, such as:
- making assumptions or judging their capability (33 per cent)
- accusations of faking their impairment or not being disabled (25 per cent)
- staring or giving looks (19 per cent)
Source: Attitudes and disability (2022) Disability facts and figures | Disability charity Scope UK
From the research above, it is shocking to see that 33 per cent of those living with a disability feel their capabilities are judged before having the opportunity to demonstrate their value and skills.
As a disabled young professional, I strongly believe that living with a disability provides you with increased skills valuable to a workplace such as resilience, perseverance, dedication and empathy. I personally have come across instances where my disability has been perceived as a barrier to effectively complete my job in financial services. It is disappointing that in 2024, we still must prove our capability to be perceived as equal to our able-bodied colleagues.
Our disabilities are only one aspect of our lives, and we are much more than a condition or diagnosis.
I hope that over time, we can continue to see disabled professionals in positions of leadership which will continue to combat the stigma that prevails in society today. Every one of us is unique and has a value that can improve the diversity and success of any workplace.