As it is World Wheelchair Day, I wanted to share a little about what it’s like working in an accessible environment and living as an independent person who uses a wheelchair. I enjoy a full, fun, and active life, with lots of independence and a positive mindset. Being in a wheelchair doesn’t limit what I can do, it just means I approach things in my own way.
One of the highlights of my career has been contributing to the accessibility design at one of our Aspire buildings, Waterside Specialist Support. Being part of the building and design process was important to me. I could share my perspective as someone who uses a wheelchair, helping to make spaces practical and accessible.
My powered wheelchair keeps me independent. I regularly go to the theatre, do my weekly shopping on my own every Saturday, go out with friends and family, take my nieces shopping, and in the summer, I drive in my wheelchair to my local supermarket, which is about 30 minutes away. I’ve also done abseiling, canoeing, and carried the baton in the Commonwealth Games in 2002. The people who are close to me don’t see me in a wheelchair and that’s exactly how it has always been and should be.
Using a wheelchair hasn’t stopped me from doing anything. I just plan, think out of the box, and reach out to the right people when I need support. In one of my previous roles, I would arrange meetings without mentioning that I use a wheelchair. People didn’t expect to see me in a wheelchair, but it never bothered me, my wheelchair doesn’t define me or what I can do.
At Aspire, having a fully accessible building makes a difference in my work. Accessible corridors, reception areas, and equipment like adapted mice and headsets help me be fully independent in my role.
In the workplace, accessibility isn’t just about doors, it’s about making spaces easy to use every day, and having the right equipment, support, and planning to make that happen.
