Disability Inclusion
Disability is not a dirty word. Yet, it's something that is often avoided.
It ​is vast, complicated and overwhelming. The variations on difference are huge, and everyone’s experience is very personal. Disability is also a lived experience underpinned by discrimination and exclusion throughout history with disability rights only being a relatively recent thing.
Many organisations recognise they need to do more to build trust with people with disabilities – its an opportunity with a huge customer base and/or talent pool.
But, where to start? How to keep momentum? What next?
OLLIE & Disability
Living with both a physical disability and dyslexia, Ollie has both lived and professional experience in Disability Inclusion. Trusted by one of the global leaders in disability inclusion in the workplace, Valuable 500 as both an advisor and delivery expert. He has a track record of working with leading organisations including, Adobe, Channel 4, Liverpool City Authority, MBDA and UBS.
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Ollies curiosity towards disability inclusion started in 2012 soon after he had been involved in a life changing accident which left him with a spinal cord injury. Although the conversation at the time was changing around disability, Ollie realised there was a negative perception in society. He was shocked to realise he had this negative perception of himself, built on the subtle experiences in life up until that point.
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Since, Ollie has broken down these internalised views and has worked to create tangible change in society and improve the experiences of people with disabilities.
EXAMPLE KEYNOTE
De-mystifying disability
Disability isn’t a dirty word. It’s something that 24% of the working population has, but many businesses don’t know where to start when discussing disability inclusion.
Ollie brings both his lived and personal experience, as someone living with a physical disability and neurodiversity. To professional experience, launching a global disability ERG in a FTSE 200 to now working with many Global businesses to unlock the opportunity that comes from a disability inclusive organisation. He also has global experience, of different cultures including working in the humanitarian space to businesses around the world. If you’re looking for a speaker who brings both authenticity and authority Ollie’s story provides valuable insights.
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Demystifying disability : Ollie aims to take the fear out of disability and have an adult conversation. Demystifying and diving into what it is and what it means, allowing the audience to understanding how they interact with disability on a daily basis (likely without knowing).
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The opportunity: Ollie discusses why disability is relevant and an important area to focus on, morally and objectively. People with disability are all around us, if we can better support and empower the opportunities are endless.
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The how: There isn’t a one size fits all approach to disability inclusion, and that’s what makes it tough. However, Ollie shares manageable tips and tricks to speed up the process whilst acknowledging we’re all busy and fighting for time.
The combination of Ollie’s personal story alongside professional experience in creating change, Ollie looks to work with audiences to work towards a more inclusive world.
Hear Ollie discussing disability in the workplace...
Experience Includes
Charity sector
Corporate sector
Currently
Supporting others with disabilities to overcome the challenges faced. Developing understanding of peoples individual experiences and working with others to create create change.
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Experiences range: from hospitals in the UK & India, peoples homes, accessing employment, engaging funders, Refugee settlements in Uganda and the board room.
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Ollie has raised over £1m for charity.
As a member of a FTSE 200, I created a Global diversity, equity and inclusion client solutions with a focus on improving how companies attract, hire and support people from under represented backgrounds. Internally I founded and set up the disability employee resource group.
​Joined a SME in the senior leadership team, focused on talent and culture development. Client list included a third of the FTSE100, many large globals, SMEs and public organisations.
Advisor and speaker on disability inclusion & culture. Working alongside business to support with strategy development and delivery.
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Head facilitator on a Leadership Development programme run by the Valuable 500, working with people with disabilities and Senior Exec.
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