At Visions, we believe that websites should be enjoyed by EVERYONE, but did you know up to 90% of websites are inaccessible for those with a disability? Shocking, right? It’s something we all have a responsibility, to do better! This Global Accessibility Day, we want to deep dive into what disability means within the workplace and ways in which we can celebrate and promote a better working environment for those with disabilities.
Dyslexia and Me
Last month I went to the Dyslexia Show in Birmingham and met some amazing people. I went to help understand how individuals that are gifted by being neurodiverse can be supported in the workplace. There was a range of people with different disabilities showcasing various ways and techniques to help understand people as individuals and to support them in the workplace.
The word DISABILITY – Is seen as a lack of something and a negative word. However, it basically means you can’t do everything but are often really good at other things. But aren’t we encouraged all the time to be the MASTER of something and NOT a jack or jane of all trades?
As a dyslexic business owner, I’ve been running Visions Design for over ten years. I believe that being a Disability Confident employer is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact in our industry. The Disability Confident scheme aims to create a wave of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve the way they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.
This government scheme was developed by employers and representatives of disabled people to make it both challenging and accessible, particularly for smaller businesses. At Visions Design, we’re proud to be registered as a Disability Confident employer, and we have several neurodiverse employees who are great assets to our business. We’ve also implemented a variety of policies focused on diversity and inclusion to ensure everyone has access to the necessary information and support they need in the workplace.
If you want to know more about the scheme you can read more here.
Does our education system help those with Dyslexia?
Personally, I think the education system has its flaws, especially for individuals who are neurologically diverse. Being dyslexic means that I can be very intelligent in one area but struggle in others, such as spelling and reading. However, I can still learn through alternative methods, like listening to audiobooks and using technology to help with my spelling. I’ve seen many people struggle to get the grades they need for university because they didn’t have maths and English qualifications, but they’re often more creative than those who do.
That’s why, as a business, we focus on hiring people based on their individual strengths and what they bring to the table, rather than just their qualifications. Over the years, some of the most talented people we’ve worked with have been those who are neurodiverse. Understanding how different individuals operate has really helped me get to know myself, and the world around me, and given me the chance to work with some amazing people.
Being a Disability Confident employer has been an incredible experience for us. It has allowed us to appreciate the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals and learn how to accommodate their needs in the workplace. We’re passionate about working with other companies to advocate better working environments without prejudice and make the web a more accessible place for those with disabilities.
By taking the time to understand and appreciate everyone’s strengths, we’ve created a more inclusive and successful business, and I encourage others to do the same.
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