Sara Weller, CBE

It’s difficult to fix a problem you can’t see. Or seek solutions if you don’t know they’re needed. Or offer help when no one asks for it.

That’s the world I found myself in when I was suddenly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, just as my career was hitting its heights.

I didn’t want to show people that my abilities would diminish. I was determined to continue to outperform, and because I didn’t know what I wanted to say to colleagues or knew what the implications might be, I hid my disability.

Like scores do every day. Work is a place where you need, want and are expected to be the best version of yourself. Having a disability – with all its uncertainty - makes that hard. It prevents us being open because we fear the consequences.

Which is why ActionAble exists.

We want to empower people to tell their stories. And we want to help the companies they work for to listen harder, take action faster and ensure every member of staff is engaged, committed and appreciated.

In my lifetime, workplaces have become more far more diverse, equitable and inclusive. But not always for people with disabilities.

 

Today, as far as I know, I am the only person with a disability who sits on the boards of Britain’s biggest 100 companies. One out of about 1,000 people. Maybe there are others too reticent to show themselves. Or perhaps I am the only one. Either way, that’s not good enough considering that almost a quarter of the population self-report as ‘disabled’.

Where are the role models, the shared conversations, the stories that can open our eyes and inspire solutions? Where’s the urgency to end the stigma of workplace disability? Where is the corporate transparency about what is being done?

ActionAble is determined to raise these issues and make the workplace truly inclusive.

To solve problems, not fight battles.

To have honest conversations that will open doors for generations to come.

To do more to understand the challenges of people who come from different places.

To create an environment where people can tell their stories and forge connections.

To engage with decision-makers so each of us can continue to be brilliant at what we do no matter the circumstance.

And to enable companies across Britain to think again.

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Whether you’ve hit the career heights or are just starting out, leading teams or are part of them, work in large corporations or small start-ups - we want to amplify your voices so that everyone listens.

Over these past 15 years, I’ve learned there’s something about being disabled that makes you more resilient. The world isn’t built for us, so we have to take things in our stride and figure out ways to overcome obstacles and barriers. We have good and bad days, and getting angry does no one any good. Instead, we look for solutions.

My hope is that, together, we can find those solutions and make a positive
difference.

Just because you can’t see inequality, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.