Celebrating International Day of People With Disabilities 2022: Aysha’s story

To mark International Day of People With Disabilities 2022, which takes place on Saturday 3 December, customer services officer Aysha Alton shared her experiences of disclosing her disability when starting in her role at the Trust.

Hello, my name is Aysha, and I’m a customer services officer. I’ve worked for the Trust since August 2021.

I was given my diagnosis in February 2020, just before the pandemic. I decided to disclose my disability through the equality monitoring form when I applied for my role. I previously thought that disclosing my disability to any prospective employers would go against me because of the negativity I had experienced at my previous workplace.

Thankfully, my manager was very supportive. When I was offered the role, we had a positive discussion and she reassured me that my disability wasn’t an issue. I remember her saying that everyone is different, variety is what makes a good workforce, and that individuality should be celebrated.

I was also given a referral to occupational health who carried out an assessment to make sure that I would be supported in work.

I’m a member of the Trust’s disability staff network steering group. We’re passionate about celebrating disability and educating staff to ensure that inclusion and accessibility is at the forefront.

The steering group and disability staff network offer ideas, a safe space and support with managing work with a disability and the barriers we may face on a daily basis. I’m also a member of the carers network and have received support from my colleagues who work in these areas.

My experience at the Trust has been very positive, which has made me feel welcome. I really do feel like part of the Trust which has led to my dedication to my role and to improving service user experience.