Disabled by Society

• ID: Solid dark background. Text reads, Disabled By Society.

We live in an inaccessible society and it disables us. 

As a person with disability/ disabled person, I face barriers daily. Over time I have developed the confidence to self-advocate and challenge the inaccessible. But it hasn't always been easy.

Self-advocating has no end, just a starting point.

I used to think it was better to stay silent than to speak up and challenge the inaccessible. At times I masked or avoided certain situations.  My mum, my friends or my partner would act as my eyes.

When I couldn’t read my mail, I got someone else to read it.

When I couldn’t use online banking, I got someone to help.

When I couldn’t read the menu, I asked whomever I was with to read it for me.

When I couldn't find my way in public, I would ask for help.

When I was shopping I would ask for help.

When I struggled online, I would leave the page or ask for help.

I wasn't self-advocating. I was relying on others to advocate for me. Whilst I appreciated their support I was allowing myself to be a victim of a disabling society without ever realising it. I was losing my independence.

I allowed myself to believe it was my fault. It was my fault I couldn’t engage, interact or participate. I thought I was the problem, and it was better to mask or stay quiet. I couldn’t process what was happening and struggled to deal with the emotions that were building up inside.

This ultimately led me to be diagnosed with depression. Although I would argue that I didn’t know how to process and ADHD was a contributing factor. But it was easier I guess for the doctor to prescribe anti-depressants.

• ID: Text reads, "I allowed myself to believe I was the problem. I didn't self-advocate and so my mental health suffered. A clipart of a man's face with lots of symbols above his head indicates mental health. A hand is holding a watering can and pouring water over this symbolising taking care of your mental health. 

When I did eventually begin to speak up and tell employers that I was disabled or that something was inaccessible, I had mixed reactions. Some would tell me they would ensure accessible training and adjustments. But the training wasn’t accessible, and my adjustments would not arrive until a few months later. By then, my back would be in pain from straining to see a computer. My absence was not to the employer's liking and so I got disciplined or sacked. Other employers would tell me that there wasn’t anything they could do and that perhaps I wasn’t in the right profession.

I want to support employers to ensure no one faces these kinds of experiences. If we create our recruitment processes with accessibility in mind we can reduce and remove some of these barriers. I have created some tips for employers to ensure accessibility is at the heart of their recruitment process. Check the post out here.

I was exhusted. I was burnout from self-advocating.

Asking for adjustments/ accommodations, accessibility or support at almost every turn. Facing new barriers daily whilst relying on others to be my eyes is frustrating.

• ID: Screenshot of a LinkedIn poll. The question, “Have you experienced burnout as a result of self-advocating” 172 people with various lived experiences voted. 82% voted yes. 8% voted no 10% voted not sure. To each side a stick person. One has a flame above his head and his hands in the air. The other has his hands in the air with lightning bolt symbols above their head.

I ran a poll this week asking, “Have you experienced burnout as a result of self-advocating”. Of the 172 people who answered,

82% agreed they had felt burnout.

As high as this figure is, it did not surprise me. We live in a society that disables us. Where we don't always have the support or the understanding we need. Advocating for our accessibility, our right to exist, and our right to support is mentally and physically draining. especially when most people aren't aware even of what accessibility is.

I’ve heard some people say accessibility, is something to do with disabled people, while others think it’s how people access things. Both are partially true. Accessibility means that anyone can engage, interact and participate. It means products, services, and content is useable for all. 

Check out my post, What is accessibility? Click here to see the post.

ID: ID: Graphic by Jamie Shields. Title Reads, “Disabled by Society”. Below 5 text statements accompanied by a piece of clipart. 1. Physical Inaccessibility – clipart of a stick person wheelchair user confused at steps with no accessible entrance. 2. Digital Inaccessibility – clipart of a stick person using a cane inside a tv screen. 3. Lack of Representation – clipart of a stick person with one arm standing on a catwalk as heads look up. 4. Lack of Awareness / Lack of Understanding – Two stick persons talking, one is getting angry and the other is talking to the person rather than listening. 5. Lack of Opportunity – clipart of a two-stick person. One is sitting down with a notepad, the other is holding his hand to his gesturing that they are unable to understand the person.

We all have a role to play in dismantling the inaccessible barriers in society. We need to work toward taking accountability for ensuring we are putting accessibility at the heart of everything we do, Creating spaces where those with lived experience can get support and feel free to speak up.

As I move into week 3 of the LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Programme I will be focusing on supporting the Linkedin community to create accessible content. This includes ensuring your brand and marketing are inclusive and everyone can engage, participate and interact.

I will be amplifying the voices of those with lived experience, ensuring they are at the forefront of the conversation.

Things to look out for:

"Disabled by Society". A bi-weekly LinkedIn audio event.

• ID: Solid dark background. Text reads, Disabled By Society.

A space where we can share our lived experiences of disability. Where we can speak to others who may have faced similar experiences. A community that supports and advocates for each other. A place where we can learn and be our authentic selves. "Disabled by Society". A bi-weekly LinkedIn audio event coming soon.

Spilling the Tea , "Accessiblity and I"

• Poster is set on dark background with lots of text and two images at each bottom corner. The text reads: Spilling the Tea Accessibility and I. Join Jamie Shields and special guest Angela Young as they share their experiences of inaccessibility in a society that disables them. 4th November. 12pm UTC. 8am EST. To the left is a cropped image of Angela. She is staring directly at the camera. To the right is a cropped picture of Jamie. He has his back to the camera but his head is facing over his shoulder. He is holding a cup in one hand which has his podcast logo. Between the two a play button symbol with text which reads, “Live stream”.

Today I will be hosting my first ever Linkedin Live. Amplifying the voices of those with lived experience. Join me and guests as we discuss accessibility and self-advocacy in a society that disables. Big shoutout to my first guest Dr. Angela Young, CPACC . Grab a cuppa and join us by clicking here.

Doing it Differently "Finding a sense of belonging"

• ID: Poster set on blue background. Text reads, Doing it Differently, finding a sense of belonging. Join Laura Mathias, Celia Hensman & Jamie Shields. Linkedin Live Sun 6th November 12pm. To the side a picture of Laura holding a wig and pulling a funny face. Celia is holding her cane and her medical device, she is looking to the side looking fabulous. Jamie is side-facing driving from a mug.

Join Celia Chartres-Aris (née Hensman) Laura Mathias and me for a series on Belonging. In this new LinkedIn Live series, we will explore how we found a sense of belonging in both professional and personal scenarios, despite Society labelling us as ‘different’.

Social Media Accessiblity

Let's deep dive into how we create accessible content. Helping reduce and remove barriers across Linkedin. Tips to support you in becoming an Accessible Legend.

And much much more..

Join me in tackling the inaccessible whilst spilling the tea on Disability Inclusivity.

Jamie Shields

• A cartoon smiling rhino with a rainbow faded behind it. Text reads Registered Blind Rhino Rhinos are just chubby unicorns, and they have poor eyesight.

#FridayFeeling #LICreatorAccelerator #Accessibility #Inclsion #DEI