Disability in the Workplace: Joanna’s Story

A recent study by healthcare provider Bupa found that two in five (43%) employees with a less visible disability haven’t disclosed it to their employer.

This got us thinking. Half the team at Bamboo have a disability. Have they felt comfortable enough to talk about their disabilities at work?

We asked them to find out.

Seeing as its Clubfoot Awareness Month, we’re kicking off with our Partnerships & Operations Director,  Joanna.

What disability do you have?

I was born with Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTE), also known as club foot. Essentially this means, when I was born, my feet and ankles were turned inwards. My left foot was affected more than my right, but I had treatment on both feet to realign them. This consisted of a combination of The Ponseti Method (a technique used to straighten the feet using manipulation and stretching) and operations. 

I also have Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a condition in which extra bone grows along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint, giving the bones an irregular shape. Because they don’t fit together properly, the bones rub against each other when I move.

Over time, this friction has damaged my joints, causing hip stiffness and pain. It’s also limited my mobility.  

How does your disability affect you?

I was pretty active during my childhood and teenage years, but I had to put up with excruciating leg spasms. I was also very susceptible to falls - I managed to fracture my Thema bone when I tripped up a kerb.

With regards to the club foot, in 2012, I had to have a major operation on my ankle as it started to collapse to the side. I had metal bolts inserted to realign it. Unsurprisingly, this put me out of action for a while.

Prior to the operation, I was on crutches for months - whizzing about London attending client meetings. It wasn’t ideal, so I knew it needed to be done.

As a result of my condition, my feet are different sizes. I wear size 7/8 on my left and a 5 on my right. It was a nightmare finding shoes until I came across a Facebook group called Jo’s Odd Shoes. I now get fabulous, odd shoes for the cost of postage!

How do you manage your FIA?

I take Naproxen, (an anti-inflammatory), every day, for pain and swelling.

I also self-medicate with cold water swimming. I swim with a national group, The Bluetits. I can honestly say it’s the best medicine!

Have you disclosed your disabilities to employers?

I haven’t discussed my disabilities with previous employers. I was concerned they’d think I was incompetent. I have always overcompensated as a result.

Over the years, my job as a recruitment manager has required me to attend lots of external meetings. Although the travel caused me a lot of pain, I was determined to do it. So, I used to travel around London on crutches. As a result, I’ve got trapped nerves in one of my elbows, which is extremely painful. I’ve lost feeling in part of my hand.

Have you had to take time off work because of your condition? If so, have your colleagues and manager been understanding?

I was unable to walk for two months after an ankle operation. Initially, my employer was unsympathetic. Even though I was still working (and incidentally, was their highest biller) they said they weren’t going to pay me. However, after I told the CEO the operation was the result of a long-term disability, his attitude changed.  

Have you ever been discriminated against because of your disability?

I sometimes struggle on public transport. Because my disability isn't visible, people don't realise I need a seat.

Even if I have my crutches, people are often too busy on their phones to look up!

What can employers do to support people with the same condition as you at work?

It's about being accommodating. I need to be active, but not too active.

At Bamboo, I have ‘Friday wellness time’. I can use it to go for a swim, walk on my treadmill, or attend a physio session.

It’s also about asking employees what they need. For example, I have a walking pad that enables me to keep my hip joint moving. If I sit at my desk all day, my hip gets "locked" which leads to back pain.

What advice would you give someone with your condition when applying for jobs? Should they be open about the condition?

You've got to feel comfortable telling the company you’re joining. The onus is on them to make sure they’re open about being a disability-positive employer.