It’s UK Disability Awareness Month. It started on 14th November and runs until 20th December 2024.
We asked Inclusioneering’s Associate Disability and Neurodiversity Consultant, Martin Griffin to share his thoughts on what the month means to him:
As a neurodivergent and visually impaired ground engineer (geologist), and an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion advocate, I play a role in shaping a more inclusive future. Inclusion isn’t just about presence; it’s about being valued for our unique contributions.
Inclusivity isn’t a tick-box exercise—it’s a tapestry of a richer, more diverse society.
Each of us, whether friends, teachers, or policymakers, holds the power to make inclusion and accessibility real.
I often ask:
Am I really empowering others to make change or how is society holding us back with their mindsets? It’s
time to burst the bubble wrap because the world thrives when everyone leaves their mark.
Yet living with a disability can feel like being wrapped in metaphorical bubble wrap.
Often, challenges are seen before strengths, leading to restrictions—even from those with good intentions.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. I’ve been fortunate to work with some great allies who recognise neurodivergence as an asset, enabling me to innovate and collaborate. The true power of diverse teams emerges when everyone is supported to thrive.
Now is the time to empower people with disabilities—not just as recipients of change but as leaders. Let’s
move from awareness to action with these steps:
- Representation with Meaning: True inclusion happens when disabled voices shape decisions, not
as tokens but as influencers. - Universal Design: Accessibility is more than ramps; it’s about creating spaces and policies that
value diverse bodies and minds. - Change the Narrative: Disability isn’t a limitation but a different way of being, often paired with
resilience, innovation, and perspectives that can transform the world and make history.
