Welcome back to another impactful episode of 3Spoonies, where hosts Jo, Karen, and Claire dive into the realities of living with a disability. In episode 12, titled “Being Loud and Proud About Your Disability,” the trio is joined by the inspiring Adelaide Edwards, owner of The Workstation, to discuss embracing one’s disability and the journey towards self-acceptance.
Meet Adelaide Edwards
Adelaide shares her personal journey of moving from Guernsey to Leeds and the challenges she faced along the way. As the owner of The Workstation, a virtual assistance service, Adelaide helps busy professionals manage their administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on core business activities and achieve a better work-life balance. Her story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, as she navigates life with psoriatic arthritis. You can find out more about Adelaide here.
The Journey to Being Loud and Proud
Adelaide’s story is one of transformation—from being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at the age of 32 to becoming an advocate for disability awareness. She candidly discusses the initial shock and grief following her diagnosis and the difficult adjustments she had to make. Adelaide highlights the importance of understanding and acceptance, both in personal and professional environments, and the mixed reactions people with invisible disabilities often face.
Navigating the Workplace
The conversation delves into the challenges of disclosing a disability at work. Adelaide emphasises the importance of assessing each situation and deciding whether to share one’s story. The hosts discuss the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding invisible disabilities, such as fatigue and chronic pain, and the need for more inclusive workplace policies.
The Power of Community
Adelaide, Jo, Karen, and Claire reflect on the significance of community and support networks. They explore the idea of visual indicators, like badges or lanyards, to communicate one’s condition and the potential for increased understanding and empathy. The episode underscores the need for greater education on disabilities from an early age and the role of society in fostering inclusivity. If you are looking for a supportive community to keep you motivated for whatever task is at hand you can sign up to our coworking/ body doubling sessions.
Tips for Managing Disability in Business and Life
Adelaide shares valuable advice for those living with disabilities: listen to your body, be kind to yourself, and establish a new norm. She encourages finding moments of rest and being your own best friend, especially when navigating the workplace. You can find out more about Adelaide here.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on being loud and proud about your disability.
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