Exploring the Art of Occupation

Every year on 3rd December, we come together to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a day dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and raising awareness about their experiences in all aspects of society. This global observance, initiated by the United Nations (United Nations, 2024), reminds us of our shared responsibility to create an inclusive world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”, shines a spotlight on the vital role of leadership in driving meaningful change. While persons with disabilities represent 16% of the global population (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2024), they are often underrepresented in leadership roles across sectors, including healthcare. By addressing this gap, we take a significant step towards achieving health equity and building a future that benefits everyone.

My Journey in Leadership: From Challenges to Advocacy

As a Lead Occupational Therapist working in inpatient and rehabilitation settings, my journey into leadership has been deeply shaped by my lived experiences of physical disability, neurodiversity, and episodes of depression. Each challenge has fuelled my passion for creating inclusive environments where every voice is valued.

One of the most pivotal aspects of my journey was access to education. From a young age, my mother fiercely advocated for me to attend a mainstream school, ensuring I could access the same opportunities as my peers. She fought tirelessly for the support I needed to succeed, from accessible learning environments to tailored assistance. This foundation was critical in shaping who I am today.

Throughout my education, however, it was not always easy to secure the support I needed. Exams and assessments, in particular, were a constant struggle often requiring endless forms, evidence, and explanations to justify what should have been a given. At times, I felt as though I was under a microscope, constantly having to prove I was deserving of the adjustments that enabled me to achieve on a level playing field

This experience extended into my professional life. Even now, there is an unspoken pressure to meet others’ criteria, to show that I am capable and worthy of opportunities. It can be exhausting, an ongoing cycle of proving, justifying, and validating my place in a world that often doesn’t account for the realities of living with a disability. Despite these challenges, I have learned to advocate for myself and ensure my needs are met, but this is not without its emotional toll.

When I first returned to full-time work, I faced significant barriers. Reasonable adjustments were not immediately in place, limiting my ability to perform to the best of my ability. This experience reinforced my understanding of how essential adjustments are not as a favour, but as a fundamental right to ensure equity. It also fuelled my determination to challenge systems that fail to accommodate people’s diverse needs

Through persistence and resilience, I’ve taken on leadership roles that allow me to influence policies and practices directly. As a Lead Occupational Therapist in my Trust, I oversee services within inpatient and rehabilitation settings. I’ve worked to embed inclusive occupational therapy models, ensuring they address individual needs rather than being constrained by diagnostic labels.

In addition to my professional role, I am proud to chair the RCOT Northern and Yorkshire Regional Committee, serve as a Public Governor for an NHS trust , and advocate for disability rights through my work with AbleOTUK. These roles allow me to amplify the voices of others, ensuring lived experiences are central to decision-making processes.

My journey has taught me that leadership is hard-earned, particularly for those of us with disabilities. It often involves navigating systems that weren’t designed with us in mind, while challenging the perceptions of others who may question our abilities. However, it has also shown me the power of resilience, self-advocacy, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Tips for Accessing Leadership Skills

Developing leadership skills is a journey, and there are many ways to enhance your ability to lead effectively, regardless of your starting point. Here are some practical tips, especially for individuals with disabilities:

1. Seek out leadership programmes: Many organisations offer accessible leadership development programmes, such as the Future Leaders Programme I undertook (British Dietetic Association, 2023). These can provide structured learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
2. Leverage your lived experience: Your unique perspective as a person with a disability is a strength. Use it to identify gaps in systems and advocate for solutions. Sharing your story can inspire and influence others (EHRC, 2019).
3. Develop strong communication skills: Leadership often requires you to articulate your ideas clearly and confidently. Engage in public speaking opportunities or workshops to enhance this skill (RCOT, 2022).
4. Build a support network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and allies who understand your journey and can offer guidance. Disability advocacy groups and professional networks can be invaluable (AbleOTUK, 2024).
5. Learn to advocate for reasonable adjustments: Being open about your needs and requesting accommodations like receiving interview questions in advance can help you perform at your best. This also demonstrates self-awareness and professionalism (EHRC, 2019).
6. Embrace self-reflection: Leadership growth often involves reflecting on feedback and learning from setbacks. For example, I’ve had to adapt my communication style to ensure my message is heard.
7. Take on small leadership roles: Volunteer for opportunities within your organisation or community, such as leading a project or chairing a committee. These experiences help build confidence and demonstrate your capabilities (WHO, 2024).
8. Educate yourself on inclusive leadership: Understanding how to create equitable environments can enhance your impact as a leader. Resources from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other organisations can be a great starting point.

References

• AbleOTUK. (2024). Disability advocacy in occupational therapy. Retrieved from AbleOTUK.org
• British Dietetic Association. (2023). Future Leaders Programme. Retrieved from BDA.org
• Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2019). Being disabled in Britain: A journey less equal. Retrieved from EHRC.org.uk
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists. (2022). Workforce strategy and inclusive practice. Retrieved from RCOT.org.uk
• United Nations. (2024). International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved from UN.org
• World Health Organisation. (2022). Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities. Geneva: WHO.
• World Health Organisation. (2024). Advancing leadership for persons with disabilities. Geneva: WHO.