There is a perception that if you have a disability, you can't have
a good career or an exciting life, but if you work out solutions to
the barriers in your way, you can do it.
In 2019, I received my flying wings and was awarded a Flying
Scholarship for the Disabled and graduated at the Royal
International Air Tattoo. And just before my 50th birthday, I took
up skiing with Disability Snowsports in Glasgow.
I had a fear of heights and slippery surfaces, but I wanted to give
it a go with a friend, who also has cerebral palsy. I thought I
would have to be a seated skier, but actually I am able to stand
and ski, tethered to an instructor. I love it and I was able to go
on a skiing holiday to Andorra with my daughter, which was amazing
because it was the first time we've been able to do an activity of
this type together.
For the past 33 years, I have been a regular participant at Riding
for the Disabled in Glasgow, including several years as a volunteer
on their board. I love riding. For me it's what I would call 'fun
physio', as it is very beneficial for my condition, but it is also
great fun.
As an accountant, the skills you have are often really in demand in
the Third Sector, so I am often asked to help with finances or sit
on the board of directors, as I was for Riding for the Disabled and
Cerebral Palsy Scotland.
I also wanted to be on the ACCA Scotland committee for the same
reason - to be able to give something back to the profession. I was
very lucky that my first employer, Bell Barr in Milngavie, Glasgow,
were fantastic and allowed me time off when I needed to have
operations as I studied for my ACCA qualifications.
However, I do believe the accountancy profession can do more to
encourage the inclusion of disabled people.
One of the few positive things about the pandemic has shown that
accountants with disabilities can work effectively and efficiently
from home. Estimates show around 20 per cent of people say they
have a disability of some kind and organisations should want
representatives of that group in their teams and on their
boards.
Disabled people are often very good problem-solvers, because we are
constantly having to think of ways to do things that are more
difficult for us. I am constantly being asked to demonstrate tying
my shoelaces with one hand.
I think the accountancy profession can attract a more diverse group
of students and that's one of the things I want people to see -
that we can find solutions to barriers'.
'I was humbled to be named in the Disability Power 100 list. I
have always been determined to fight against people's low
expectations for disabled people. I was told I would have to work
in a shop when I left school, which made me furious because I
wanted to achieve other things and so I pushed through the
barriers.
There is a perception that if you have a disability, you can't
have a good career or an exciting life, but if you work out
solutions to the barriers in your way, you can do it.
In 2019, I received my flying wings and was awarded a Flying
Scholarship for the Disabled and graduated at the Royal
International Air Tattoo. And just before my 50th birthday, I took
up skiing with Disability Snowsports in Glasgow.
I had a fear of heights and slippery surfaces, but I wanted to
give it a go with a friend, who also has cerebral palsy. I thought
I would have to be a seated skier, but actually I am able to stand
and ski, tethered to an instructor. I love it and I was able to go
on a skiing holiday to Andorra with my daughter, which was amazing
because it was the first time we've been able to do an activity of
this type together.
For the past 33 years, I have been a regular participant at
Riding for the Disabled in Glasgow, including several years as a
volunteer on their board. I love riding. For me it's what I would
call 'fun physio', as it is very beneficial for my condition, but
it is also great fun.
As an accountant, the skills you have are often really in demand
in the Third Sector, so I am often asked to help with finances or
sit on the board of directors, as I was for Riding for the Disabled
and Cerebral Palsy Scotland.
I also wanted to be on the ACCA Scotland committee for the same
reason - to be able to give something back to the profession. I was
very lucky that my first employer, Bell Barr in Milngavie, Glasgow,
were fantastic and allowed me time off when I needed to have
operations as I studied for my ACCA qualifications.
However, I do believe the accountancy profession can do more to
encourage the inclusion of disabled people.
One of the few positive things about the pandemic has shown that
accountants with disabilities can work effectively and efficiently
from home. Estimates show around 20 per cent of people say they
have a disability of some kind and organisations should want
representatives of that group in their teams and on their
boards.
Disabled people are often very good problem-solvers, because we
are constantly having to think of ways to do things that are more
difficult for us. I am constantly being asked to demonstrate tying
my shoelaces with one hand.
I think the accountancy profession can attract a more diverse
group of students and that's one of the things I want people to see
- that we can find solutions to barriers'.
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