Tuesday 9th December; 9.30am to10.45am
Virtual Disability Insights
Recruitment processes are designed to be challenging. However, for the 18% of students in UK universities who identify as having a disability, they can be even more challenging because of the additional considerations that having a disability or health condition frequently bring; challenges such as disclosure, requesting support and stating mitigating circumstances. Understanding these challenges is fundamental for employers if you are to successfully engage with this talent pool and support them through your recruitment process.
Our Disability Insights provide you with the opportunity to hear from students and recent graduates who openly share the unique challenges they encounter due to their disabilities. Through their lived experiences, they will offer practical insights into managing disabilities in everyday life, navigating job applications, disclosing disabilities to potential employers, and seeking necessary accommodations in the workplace.
Their insights will also remind us of the ‘plus’ that individuals frequently develop due to managing their disability and navigating the barriers and obstacles that life throws their way; skills such as resilience, determination and problem solving, all of which are an asset in the workplace.
Our Disability Insights will be interactive and enable delegates to engage in conversations with our speakers and to ask the questions that they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to ask and / or feel comfortable asking. Debate, discussion and alternative viewpoints are all encouraged not least that they are all an excellent vehicle to build our understanding of this challenging topic.
Attending the Disability Insights panel will provide delegates with a clearer understanding not just of the barriers disabled students face during recruitment and in the workplace but on potential solutions to these barriers and how to best implement them. This session will help you effectively engage and support early years disabled talent, ensuring your organization attracts and empowers a diverse workforce.
Speakers
Emma Baker
Emma has recently graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of Warwick. She has autism, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions. Her disabilities are dynamic and are often invisible, which means that some days she can manage more activity than others. She advocates for better awareness and understanding of fluctuating conditions.
Emma is hoping to secure a training contract with a commercial law firm that is supportive of disabilities and is looking at different firms' approaches to choose the right working environment for her.
Ruby Lowsley
Ruby is a second-year Computer Science and Mathematics student at the University of Bath. Diagnosed at age 14 with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), a condition that affects how the brain processes spoken and written information, Ruby has developed strong communication skills, particularly in explaining complex ideas clearly and accessibly. Navigating this challenge throughout her education has enhanced her resilience and her ability to adapt in demanding environments.
Alongside her studies, Ruby has volunteered as a University Ambassador for Founders4Schools, contributing to virtual assemblies that aim to inspire secondary school students to explore future opportunities in technology.
Passionate about promoting inclusion and equity within the technology and finance sectors, Ruby is an active member of the Women in Technology and Women in Finance societies at the University of Bath. She was introduced to MyPlus at the “Investing in Talent” event at Citi Bank and was inspired by the organisation’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion in professional environments.
Aryan Pandla
Aryan is an incoming Associate in J.P. Morgan’s Global Security Operations Centre in London, currently working as a Security Operations Specialist at global risk consultancy Crisis24. He recently completed an MA in War Studies from King’s College London, building on a five-year integrated master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Delhi.
Aryan has a spinal condition, which influences how he manages mobility and performance in demanding academic and professional environments. Navigating this alongside high-pressure security roles and intensive academic commitments has shaped his approach to resilience, productivity and seeking appropriate adjustments.
Aryan is driven to improve employer understanding of hidden physical disabilities, the importance of ergonomics and flexible working, and how proactive support can unlock exceptional performance. He hopes that sharing his lived experience will help organisations create genuinely inclusive pathways for disabled talent entering competitive industries.
MyPlus Employers’ Club members are entitled to 8 complimentary places. Non-members may purchase places at a price of £95 + VAT. Contact lise@myplusconsulting.com to purchase places or to find out more about Employers’ Club membership.
MyPlus run a variety of these types of events for employers. For details of the different types visit our events page. For details of forthcoming Employers’ Club events taking place visit our events calendar page.
