A day in the life of a disabled businesswoman – in pictures
This is an introductory blog, just to set a bit of context for subsequent blogs.
Having promoted the benefits of employing disabled people for years in my professional role, I ironically became much more severely disabled myself following failed radical spinal surgery last year. Now was the time to prove to the world (but firstly to myself) that a woman who couldn’t sit, bend or lift, and could barely stand or walk, could continue to run a successful business! My condition basically meant I could do little but lie flat for nearly 24 hours a day.
Putting my money where my mouth was, I had my office adapted and invested in loads of gadgets (back brace, crutches, a platform to lie and work from, wall-mounted laptop stand etc), and then tried to focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t.
I may not be able to sit at a desk, but I can:
Negotiate deals hanging upside down on my inversion table (!);
Jane Hatton on her inversion table
Check facts at a height-adjustable desk
Jane Hatton checking facts
Lead short meetings or training sessions with staff and clients
Jane Hatton leading a short meeting
And, mostly, write proposals and tenders lying flat with a wall-mounted laptop stand. I now spend nearly all of my working day lying on this platform using this computer.
Jane Hatton's workstation
Despite some pretty unusual physical challenges, I’m able to continue to run the business for the benefit of its shareholders, three employees, 36 consultants and over 50 clients.
If you are interested in issues around employing disabled people, see here:
http://www.thediversitypeople.co.uk/articles/hrdiversity1/
and here:
http://www.thediversitypeople.co.uk/articles/diversitytraining1/
I’d be very happy to hear about other examples of overcoming barriers to work.
About Sarah ArrowSarah Arrow is the managing editor of Birds on the Blog, in real life she is the communications director of a same day courier service. She is an enthusiastic UK based pro-blogger and co- author of the soon to be published Zero to Blogger
View all posts by Sarah Arrow →
31 Responses to A day in the life of a disabled businesswoman – in pictures
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In her shoes is a series of anonymous posts from women in business, sharing their experience. In your comments you are asked to answer the question – What would you do in her shoes? My story began 9 months ago; it is a story of self-realisation, friendship, love and betrayal. After 11 years at home [...]
Jane you are a huge inspiration to everyone. Disabled people who face challenges everyday can have even more limitations placed on them by how others percieve them. You prove that disability is a challenge not a barrier. Your sense of humour and outlook on life is a breath of fresh air and you deserve the very very best that life can bring. I’m so inspired and lifted by your blog this morning. X
Jane you are a huge inspiration to everyone. Disabled people who face challenges everyday can have even more limitations placed on them by how others percieve them. You prove that disability is a challenge not a barrier. Your sense of humour and outlook on life is a breath of fresh air and you deserve the very very best that life can bring. I’m so inspired and lifted by your blog this morning. X
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Of all the many lessons Jane and her incredible bravery can teach us, perhaps the most important is that no matter how hopeless things can seem, there is always a way forward if you look hard enough. I’m no stranger to physical problems myself, but I take my hat off to Jane for being such a vivid, pathfinding example to us all.
Twitter: SuzanStMaur
Of all the many lessons Jane and her incredible bravery can teach us, perhaps the most important is that no matter how hopeless things can seem, there is always a way forward if you look hard enough. I’m no stranger to physical problems myself, but I take my hat off to Jane for being such a vivid, pathfinding example to us all.
Twitter: SuzanStMaur
I didn’t realise that such a high proportion of the working population was disabled, Jane.
I understand there is some support for businesses who employ disabled people. One of my friends is bipolar and registered disabled, and I understand her salary was partially funded by a government grant. Sadly, when her illness flared up, the company concerned made her redundant – after eight years working for them problem free.
There is still some way to go, alas, but it is good to see progress.
I didn’t realise that such a high proportion of the working population was disabled, Jane.
I understand there is some support for businesses who employ disabled people. One of my friends is bipolar and registered disabled, and I understand her salary was partially funded by a government grant. Sadly, when her illness flared up, the company concerned made her redundant – after eight years working for them problem free.
There is still some way to go, alas, but it is good to see progress.
Jane, having ‘lived’ with you through this phase of your life, I just wanted to express how much respect I have for you and how you have faced up to your new future. Good luck Jane. Nick x
Jane, having ‘lived’ with you through this phase of your life, I just wanted to express how much respect I have for you and how you have faced up to your new future. Good luck Jane. Nick x
Thanks for the comments! Actually, there’s nothing inspirational about it – I’ve spent lots of time wallowing in self pity in between the “getting on with it” bits. And I’d been inspired by meeting so many people, before disability hit me, who had overcome all sorts of impossible-sounding obstacles.
There is help available Ann. I used Access to Work who helped with advice on equipment and also paid towards some of it.
The main thing, I found, is to gather around you people who will offer all kinds of support – practical, emotional, business advice, inspiration, or just an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. I was very lucky in finding all of that amongst a very supportive family and group of friends. Oh, and a particularly creative physiotherapist!
Twitter: evenbreak
Thanks for the comments! Actually, there’s nothing inspirational about it – I’ve spent lots of time wallowing in self pity in between the “getting on with it” bits. And I’d been inspired by meeting so many people, before disability hit me, who had overcome all sorts of impossible-sounding obstacles.
There is help available Ann. I used Access to Work who helped with advice on equipment and also paid towards some of it.
The main thing, I found, is to gather around you people who will offer all kinds of support – practical, emotional, business advice, inspiration, or just an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. I was very lucky in finding all of that amongst a very supportive family and group of friends. Oh, and a particularly creative physiotherapist!
Twitter: evenbreak
WOW Jane, I am lost for words. Most would in your situation would give up and this is what makes your story inspirational
Twitter: ethnicsupplies
WOW Jane, I am lost for words. Most would in your situation would give up and this is what makes your story inspirational
Twitter: ethnicsupplies
Jane, you are an inspiration and a great resource to many. Congratulations on all you have achieved in this last year and may you go on to do more in 2010.
The number of gadgets and resources available are ever increasing and fortunately technology allows us to function where necessary ‘behind closed doors’ without admitting or disclosing some disabilites.
Good luck – and keep up the good work with Tens.
Jane, you are an inspiration and a great resource to many. Congratulations on all you have achieved in this last year and may you go on to do more in 2010.
The number of gadgets and resources available are ever increasing and fortunately technology allows us to function where necessary ‘behind closed doors’ without admitting or disclosing some disabilites.
Good luck – and keep up the good work with Tens.
Great blog – can’t wait to read more!
Great blog – can’t wait to read more!
I love reading about how you are moving forward, Jane. It’s not just about how you are living with your disability. I like hearing about how you are refusing to let your determination to provide excellent training to public sector employees be diminished. Many of the people who will ultimately benefit from your work have even greater challenges than you.
I love reading about how you are moving forward, Jane. It’s not just about how you are living with your disability. I like hearing about how you are refusing to let your determination to provide excellent training to public sector employees be diminished. Many of the people who will ultimately benefit from your work have even greater challenges than you.
Thanks Nick. That determination is made easier by having an excellent team of consultants who are just as committed as I am to improving public service, and also now to share what we have learnt with the private sector.
There are many ethical and moral reasons for respecting people’s differences, but there are also a few good solid business reasons. In fact, that may well form the basis of my next blog.
Twitter: evenbreak
Thanks Nick. That determination is made easier by having an excellent team of consultants who are just as committed as I am to improving public service, and also now to share what we have learnt with the private sector.
There are many ethical and moral reasons for respecting people’s differences, but there are also a few good solid business reasons. In fact, that may well form the basis of my next blog.
Twitter: evenbreak
You are inspiring, Jane. Hearing about handling your own disability in the context of your service delivery is a constant reminder to others to treat obstacles as something to be overcome.
Twitter: jeremy_dent
You are inspiring, Jane. Hearing about handling your own disability in the context of your service delivery is a constant reminder to others to treat obstacles as something to be overcome.
Twitter: jeremy_dent
Many people would have given up hope if they were faced with the same situation you were faced with Jane. Clearly you are made of much sterner stuff. Thank you for sharing this and continuing to illuminate us all with your ongoing achievements.
Many people would have given up hope if they were faced with the same situation you were faced with Jane. Clearly you are made of much sterner stuff. Thank you for sharing this and continuing to illuminate us all with your ongoing achievements.
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You are an amazing woman Jane… I hope we can circulate this blog to as many people as we can, lots to learn from…. highly motivating….
good luck and well done for being so brave and positive.
You are an amazing woman Jane… I hope we can circulate this blog to as many people as we can, lots to learn from…. highly motivating….
good luck and well done for being so brave and positive.
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Good luck tomorrow Jane… Can't wait to read how it goes/went!
x