Why did I set up Ability Consultancy?

Over the last couple of month’s, I have been attending a Business Innovation Programme delivered by Lancaster University. At a recent session, we were asked what was our “Why”:  our Why for setting up our business and why it is important to our purpose.

This is a question that I have been asked a few times but never gone into too much depth. Having listened to everyone else’s “Why” (which was emotional and very honest) I decided to talk about my why.

I started planning and developing Ability Consultancy in 2017, after I becoming redundant. Being disabled always puts you at a disadvantage in trying to find a job.  This is due to a lack of understanding and willingness of employers to employ a disabled person.  Employers think we don’t have the ability to carry out a job, as well as thinking it will cost them more to employ a disabled person – both of these are untrue. After my redundancy, I had a wonderful mentor who said: “take out the middleman”. I had no idea what she meant, but it was to take out all the negative people and start a business putting my future in my own hands.  It ended up being the best advice ever!

Having Cerebral Palsy, I have always challenges, experienced prejudices and discrimination. I see these as something to overcome. Setting up a business was no different, but why should I set up a business and what do I want to achieve?

I have always been one to champion others’ achievements, support others to achieve their dreams and ambitions. Having experienced extensive bullying and discrimination in school and in the job market. I educate businesses and future generations to understand disability, using lived experiences.  This will ensure that no one else has to experience what I did.  This is a big part of my Why.  

The other part of my why is to provide opportunities to other disabled people.  Developing their confidence and skills to deliver for Ability Consultancy is a goal.  Allowing them the space to share their own experiences, whilst learning skills to help their independence. The second part of this why is to support disabled people develop, experience new things and try things they or others may think were impossible.  This could lead to life-changing opportunities,  employment or volunteering, taking up sports or activities, or supporting others.

These whys are linked but have their own significance.  The first why is key for disabled people to be understood by business leaders and be seen as a beneficial resource to their businesses.  The other why is focused on the disabled person. It will drive up their ambitions and provide opportunities for them to feel part of society. This will allow them to live, learn and earn like the rest of the society, and live life to the full.