Lindsey Paylor-Orr is an International Marketing Officer in the Department of International Development, and she’s the Vice-Chair of our Teesside University staff Disability Focus Group. Lindsey also has a number of hidden disabilities and lives with a long-term health condition.
She is keen to raise awareness of the challenges faced by disabled colleague in the workplace, and in society as a whole.
I am neurodivergent; I have ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and I also have a painful long-term health condition Endometriosis. It can be incredibly challenging to manage my neurological differences and health in the workplace, it has not always been easy for me to ask for help.
I encounter daily barriers which prevent me from reaching my potential. I used to feel embarrassed about my differences and an inconvenience to others, especially when asking for changes to the office environment.
I know neurodivergent minds are capable of great things - not despite our differences but because of them. I’ve come to realise it’s important for me to fully grasp my neurodivergence and help others understand so they can offer the relevant support and help. After learning about the Social Model of Disability, I was able to identify areas for improvement.
I began to ask for adjustments to remove barriers, or reduce an effect of my disability, to allow me to do my job more effectively, and the changes have made a huge difference to me.
The strengths and talents I bring to a team, including creativity, out-of-the-box thinking and problem solving, are intrinsically linked to the unique way I think, interact, and experience the world.
Creating safe spaces for disabled people to talk about their experiences is important, and listening will help people understand the barriers we encounter and make the right changes, so we can all thrive.
I joined the Disability Focus Group to meet new people, learn about others and become more actively involved. My confidence continues to grow, my productivity is much improved, I now value my differences and feel valued as a team member.
I will continue to share my experiences, help and encourage others to access the support available at TU, working together as #TeamTeesside to remove barriers so we all have the opportunity to reach our potential.