16 November – 16 December is Disability History Month.

Did you know that 1 in 5 people globally have a diagnosed disability?

Disability History Month is a time to remember and celebrate how far we have come and to reflect on what more we can do to support those with visible and hidden disabilities.

In the past, there has been a stigma around disabilities. Over time, however, treatment and perceptions of disability have made a positive leap forward, most significantly, with the passing of the Disability Rights Act in 1995, making it illegal to discriminate against a person based on their disability.

In recognition, Caroline Weedon, tells us what it means to be a disabled person at FSP, a Disability Confident Committed workplace.

“One of FSP’s core values is Inclusion – this means providing a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, never tolerating any form of discrimination and ensuring everyone’s contribution is valued. This isn’t just lip-service, it’s reflected in the day-to-day running of the company. How do I know it’s real? Well, for one thing I’m disabled. And that fact did not come into the equation at all in terms of being the right person for the job. I was (and am) simply accepted as myself.

The only time I see any consciousness of my disability is in terms of ensuring that my needs are met at special events so that I’m comfortable and included and to be given flexibility in my working should I need it. Otherwise, I am simply a member of the team along with everyone else. And hybrid-working, along with FSP’s values-in-action, have made this possible for me.”

As individuals and as organisations, what more can we do to promote equity and inclusivity for all?