Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 09:27
Following Disability History Month, Emma de Carteret, our Director of Corporate Affairs and Performance, has chosen to declare her own disability with staff, and shares her thoughts on why it is so important to update your ESR records with your own disability.
I have a long-term condition.
When I was a child, I had a spinal growth disorder. This has left me with a permanent ‘hump’ (kyphosis), near constant pain to varying levels depending on what I am doing, and a range of other issues and symptoms on a daily basis.
I’ve spent my life having a range of comments and views from others, because they knew of my condition and felt they know best (you can’t possibly play hockey/be a physio/sit at a desk all day), or from people who didn’t know of my condition and felt they had the right to make an assumption about me.
I took on the role of Exec sponsor for the disability support network this year. Speaking with the members of the group, it really made me question myself, especially why I hadn’t declared my condition as a disability at work. I realise there were 3 reasons:
Firstly, for those of you who do not know me, I am fiercely independent and determined. I’ve spent my whole adult life dealing with a condition that could easily make me lie down and give in – proving to myself I can do things is a normal part of my psyche and a huge coping mechanism.
Secondly, its easier to give the bare minimum of facts to most people. Saying I’ve got a bit of back pain avoids a lot of questions and assumptions – and its easier to avoid all the personal stuff, isn’t it?
Finally, and this is hard to admit, fear. What if declaring my condition influences the way my manager sees me? Or acts towards me? What if I am seen as a burden?
Listening to and working with the DSN made me realise something – I am no different to anyone else in the group. My 3 fears are the same as so many other of our colleagues are experiencing.
And the reality for me is, even without the Trust or my manager knowing the details of my condition, they do have to deal with it, and they do give me support. They can tell when I am in pain. They can tell when I am not functioning at my best. They know when I need to take time off.
I wanted to share this with you all for a couple of reasons. For those with a disability, I wanted to put my money where my mouth is – declaring your disability will help the organisation understand the diversity of the workforce, it is important information to have when we are looking at workforce planning and how best to support our people.
It will also help the Trust understand the number of staff with disabilities and the types of disabilities our staff working within EEAST have. It helps us to make important decisions with regards to areas such as estates, fleet, technology and equipment etc.
By declaring your disability status you are able to obtain support from your management when it comes to any reasonable adjustments that are required.
This can be done by updating your information via your ESR account, if you have any queries on this please email ESR@eastamb.nhs.uk.
For those without a disability, I wanted to make you all think and reflect. Many of you know me, not so many of you will have realised I have this health condition. Does it make you think differently? If so, why? Please think carefully and if you haven’t already, complete the managers training on disability awareness or the mandatory Equality, diversity and Human rights training, which both supports disability awareness. Many, many people have disabilities or long-term conditions, lots of them are hidden, or invisible. Take a moment to consider this and the way in which you approach others.
And to everyone, be kind to one another and do not make assumptions about individuals, characteristics or their abilities. Everyone is here to try to make a difference regardless of their background or circumstances, so always be compassionate.
#Bekind
Published 5th January 2023