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Delegate feedback..."Thanks for sharing your story". "Inspirational."
Earlier this month I was invited to speak at The Diversity Festival 2017 at Chester University. The theme of the day was "positive representations of disabled people in employment". I demonstrated that despite having a long term condition / disability that need not stop you from seeking employment. I shared my own experience of living day to day with a rare disease and how a good support network helps you live your life and remain independent. Just over a year ago, I used my disability in a positive way to start my own business as a motivational speaker and disability coach. I believe that everyone has potential. I talked about the importance of organisations having a diverse workforce and that everyone has skills and potential. To not consider employing somebody with a long term medical condition or disability could mean that you are missing out. Disabled people have strengths, are loyal, reliable, and enrich your workforce. I also ran 2 workshops where delegates had the opportunity to try using aids, such as a wheelchair, walking frame and walking sticks. We discussed their experiences. We also talked about real life examples of companies and services that get it right, where going that extra mile can really make a difference to both customer and employee satisfaction. Great to network and promote inclusion and diversity. A.Duckworth, Enabling Ability, March 2017
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Delegate feedback- "Inspiring","Motivational", "Thank you for sharing your story" "Outstanding" "Personalises our jobs"
On Monday 6th March I had the privilege of speaking to employees at Amicus Therapeutics in Gerrard's Cross, at their Pompe in Focus Lunch and Learn. I gave a patient's perspective of what it is like to live with Pompe disease, a rare progressive neuromuscular disease. I talked about events leading up to my diagnosis, the diagnosis itself and how I manage to continue to enjoy and be a part of family life. I talked about coming to terms with using night ventilation when our children were very young. I also explained how I was thrown a lifeline in 2006 when I was offered Enzyme Replacement Therapy and how this has had a positive effect on my lung function readings and on my daily life. I demonstrated how important it was that pharmaceutical companies provide therapies for those with rare diseases and what a positive contribution it makes. I demonstrated that living with a long term medical condition or disability need not hold you back and in fact it can have a positive outcome. I talked about how I had started my own business and that I am passionate about helping others particularly those with a medical condition / disability achieve their potential. It was a privilege to be asked to be part of their event. A. Duckworth |
AuthorAndrea Duckworth is a motivational speaker & coach with over 20 years experience in the field of disability. Andrea is living with the progressive disease Pompe (Acid Maltase Deficiency) more Archives
May 2019
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