Disability History Month Podcast: Disability, Livelihood and Employment

Join us in the latest D.i.i.verse Hub podcast, as we uncover the stories and insights of Dr Eun Sun Godwin and Katy Deacon, two trailblazers in the realm of accessibility and inclusion.

They shine a light on the barriers faced by the UK’s 24% disabled population and explore how technology can be a game-changer for individuals with disabilities. From Wolverhampton University's advanced Alan Turing building, we envision a world where digital tools empower people like Josie, a young woman with cerebral palsy, enabling them to work and communicate effectively. This conversation aims to shift the narrative from limitations to potential, highlighting the vital contributions of disabled individuals in the workforce.

Explore the real challenges and triumphs linked to the UK’s Access to Work scheme, a government initiative that often stumbles over bureaucratic hurdles. We share personal experiences that illustrate the delay-ridden path to receiving necessary support, despite the program's promise. Our discussion underscores the pressing need for employer awareness regarding accommodations and legislation, like the Equality Act's reasonable adjustments. We tackle misconceptions head-on, urging a focus on the remarkable problem-solving skills and contributions of disabled individuals, and how these can transform workplaces into bastions of inclusivity.

Imagine the future where technological advancements like assistive robots, self-driving cars, and alternative communication systems rewrite the rules of employment. With a forward-thinking lens, we delve into projects that ignite inclusivity in industries like manufacturing, ensuring that disabled voices shape innovative paths. Dr. Godwin and Katy Deacon discuss how embracing diversity is more than just a societal obligation—it's an investment in untapped talent and economic growth. As we dream of an inclusive 2040, we encourage societal change that embraces disabled individuals as invaluable assets, fostering a world where everyone stands to benefit. Listen in and be inspired to embrace an accessible future.

Katy Deacon is Managing Director of Towards Belonging.

Listen now: This episode is available on Apple Amazon Spotify and online.