Empowering Disabled Employees: Strategies for Inclusive Workplaces

Mind, Body, Work Podcast

In the latest episode of the Mind, Body, Work Podcast, host Joanne Swann speaks with Angela Matthews, Director of Policy and Research at Business Disability Forum, and Chris Jay, Founder and Managing Director of Bascule Disability Training. Together, they explore effective inclusive practices, delve into disability policy, debunk common misconceptions, and share how to create more supportive and accessible workplaces for disabled employees.

Guest 1: Angela Matthews – Director of Policy and Research at Business Disability Forum

Angela leads Business Disability Forum’s policy and research team and specialises in UK work, health, and disability policy. She is an adviser and research partner on several academic research projects related to health, disability inclusion, and inclusive employment. Angela regularly contributes to HR and disability ‘lifestyle’ publications. She has appeared on BBC Radio 4, speaking on topics including women’s work and care ethics, and the disability employment gap. Angela has given evidence at various Parliamentary Select Committee inquiries. Angela often brings her own experiences of work, health, personal and social care, and disability benefits to her speaking activities.

Questions:

1. As someone at the forefront of disability policy and research, could you share some of the most significant changes you've observed in workplace disability inclusion over the past decade?
2. In your opinion, what are the biggest misconceptions employers have about hiring and supporting disabled employees, and how can these be effectively addressed?
3. Angela, as someone who often discusses the intersection of work, health, and disability policy, can you elaborate on how these areas influence each other and the impact this has on creating inclusive workplaces?

Guest 2: Chris Jay – Founder and Managing Director of Bascule Disability Training

Chris Jay is the Founder and Managing Director of the disability awareness training provider, Bascule Disability Training. Born with cerebral palsy, Chris has been a wheelchair user for over 25 years and has used his life experience of disability to provide user-led, awareness training packages and consultation services. As a speaker, author and disability inclusion advocate, Chris' career has been built around his passion to develop accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities.

Questions:

1. As someone who founded a disability awareness training provider themselves, what inspired you to do this, and what impact do you hope your training packages have on organisations?
2. Can you describe some common challenges that people with disabilities face in the workplace that are often overlooked by employers, and how can awareness training help address these issues?
3. With your extensive experience as a speaker and advocate, what advice would you give to organisations looking to improve their accessibility and inclusivity for disabled employees?

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About Mind, Body, Work

Mind, Body, Work is a podcast produced by the UK HR website workplacewellbeing.pro a website dedicated to the wellbeing and health of working professionals.

Workplace Wellbeing Pro provides daily news items with analysis looking in-depth at topics such as financial wellbeing, mental health and stress.

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