International Day of People with Disabilities, seeks to encourage an inclusive and accessible future for all those living with a health impairment, inviting people to identify environmental and social barriers, and collectively work together to overcome them.
Working towards an accessible future is everyone’s responsibility and at Carnival UK we’re working hard to create an inclusive community. That’s why we’ve recently installed new signage on the doors of our disabled toilets to raise awareness of disabilities which are not always visible.
Alice King, Executive, Reward and Loyalty, was inspired to submit a HESS Bright idea requesting the new signage.
“Small steps make a big difference toward every day inclusion.
My partner has always felt eyes and whispers when he used public disabled toilets as he never ‘looked’ disabled, he suffers from Crohn’s disease. 93% of the public will consider challenging a ‘healthy-looking’ person. I put this suggestion forward to Athena as a belonging bright idea. Athena sparks ideas for every day inclusion and a sign on our disabled toilets may sound like a small change but for people living in invisible disabilities like Crohn’s or Colitis, this can be life changing.” (Statistics from Crohn’s and Colitis UK)
Not all disabilities or health impairments are visible yet many people live with a hidden disability.
96% of people with a chronic medical condition live with a condition that is invisible. Hidden disabilities include mental health conditions, dyslexia, autism, hearing loss, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes and fibromyalgia. It may not always be obvious that someone is in pain or suffering from a health impairment and sometimes a hidden condition can result in less sympathy and understanding from others.
We’re working hard to create an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive. Read Kelly’s story and find out how we’ve supported Kelly with reasonable adjustments to help her succeed in her career.
If you have a health impairment and feel as though you would benefit from some reasonable adjustments in the work place, speak to your line manager about a referral to occupational health and don’t forget to update your details on My HR Portal.