We continue sharing our stories of how we became involved in DISC and disability studies research more generally. Abraham is conducting his PhD as part of the DISC research group.

1. What interested you in doing research relating to disability / the DISC project? 

During my MSc program in Business Psychology with HRM, I undertook Diversity as a mandatory module. As part of my coursework, I wrote a pragmatic Diversity and Inclusion policy report on managing mental health conditions in the workplace through the lens of the Social model of disability. The exercise not only gave me an insight into disability but also made me develop an interest in disability studies. Thereafter, the DISC/PhD research project provided me with a priceless opportunity to further explore disability.

2. What are your main concerns for DISC? 

I hope the technological adjustments due to Covid-19 would help deliver to the expectations of the DISC project. For example, simulating Virtual Reality disability training (an anticipated output of the project) at home may produce a different effect compared to simulating such training in a controlled environment. 

3. What are your hopes for disability research? 

I hope disability inclusion in the workplace is taking more seriously. I hope for strong and effective legislation that will protect against discrimination (ableism and disablism) to foster effective disability inclusion and to maintain fairness, equal treatment and access to opportunities. Lastly, I look forward to when disability disclosure of hidden disabilities will become normalised in organisations (e.g., in universities) without any dilemma for disclosing hidden disabilities.

4. How do you think the current pandemic will affect disability research ? 

I think the economic impact of Covid-19 (e.g., potential recession) may affect funding availability for disability research. I also think the unprecedented situation of Covid-19 could have a psychological impact on disability researchers’ wellbeing and productivity. I think friendly and relaxed virtual communication may be useful at this challenging time. I also think research may showcase the strength in the lived experience and knowledge of disabled people as a resource for coping through the unprecedented situation of the current pandemic.

5. If you could give one message to people about disability right now, what would it be? 

Think disability in every organisational aspect, it’s part of being human. At least the levelling effect of lockdown has provided a window to understanding disability from a different perspective.