Do you work and have a real job? Going to loads of gigs can’t be classed as a genuine occupation, surely?
This is a question I get asked so often!
People are always saying to me, “You’re always at a gig. How do you find time to work?” It does seem to shock people that I, as a visibly disabled person, do actually work. A real job. Making real money.
Yes, I work.
I’ve been self-employed since I left university. My line of business has changed over the years, but the last 3 years or so have helped my ideas fall into place and let me say I really, genuinely love my job!
Starting out in sales and promotion, moving into online retail and then towards disability advocacy, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge, experience, and business acumen.
Being diagnosed with a degenerative genetic disorder at 14, I know my life was unlikely to be ‘normal’. I grew to accept that I’d have to make adjustments and accept that my body would be an impediment to me.
I’ve always loved sport and music. I’ve always liked being out and about. But from that day in my mid-teens, I’ve known that one day, however far away that might be, I might not be able to go out and enjoy those activities.
Before I started relying on a wheelchair to get around, I would go to music, comedy, theatre, sports... I’d suffer for it with pain; I’d struggle to get around; I’d have to give in, as I just couldn’t manage.
Over a short period of time, my health started to deteriorate quickly. I didn’t talk about it. I didn’t want to admit it. And I didn’t want to give in to it. That period, which I saw then as the end of my freedom, actually turned out to be the beginning of a new freedom.
Being a wheelchair user isn’t easy, by any means. But it gave me a safe space, protected from the hustle and bustle and showed me that things can still be done. That’s become a big phrase for me – ‘You can still do it, you just have to do it differently!’
I was now spending time studying websites, researching step-free access, and looking for recommendations for wheelchair accessories. It wasn’t as simple as booking tickets for an event anymore. Where are the step-free seats? Is there an access viewing platform? Do I have to book the tickets a different way? Will there be accessible toilet facilities? Can I even get into that building anymore?
And, wow – the things you have to learn.
I was determined I would still enjoy the things I used to. I wasn’t going to give up my hobbies. I still wanted to travel and have fun with friends, go to parties and weddings, and enjoy a meal out. But so many barriers make these things difficult; one way or another, I’m not prepared to let that dictate my future.
So what do I do for a job? The million-dollar question.
I am now an accessibility consultant. I advise people on what they can do to accommodate people with disabilities, whether this is a business premises, music venue, hospitality establishment or tourist attraction.
After attending so many live events, I became fully aware of what was right and wrong in terms of accessibility. Over time, I started to give people friendly feedback, pointing out what could be changed. This then morphed into writing proper reviews about venues and researching disability policies and laws.
With some venues, you’d get a ‘Thanks for letting us know’ response. Some wouldn’t respond at all. Others would be all over it, wanting to know more, wanting pointers.
To cut a long story short, I’ve moved from this casual way of giving feedback to a more professional approach to contacting people, starting conversations, and making positive changes.
I now talk to people in person, on the telephone or online about their access facilities and what can be implemented or improved. No two businesses are the same. Everyone has their own constraints, whether it is building regulations or budget.
What can I do for you?
* Informal chats about accessibility and inclusivity within your business
* Formal consultations about aims and objectives or improved accessibility and required standards
* Audit of business premises and documents
* Full, written reports of audit findings and recommended changes
* Assistance with achieving improved accessibility
* Presentations and training with staff
I currently work with small, independent businesses, a large arena, an airport, a motor racing circuit, local authorities, tourism groups and customer service groups.
The coming year is looking busy, with current contracts expanding and more exciting opportunities lined up.
It’s very satisfying to see improvements implemented and to get feedback from people who were scared to go to gigs or avoided busy venues because they didn’t think they could be catered for.
Don’t get me wrong – I work long hours. I work unstructured hours. I work unpredictable work patterns. I work around my health and impairments. Either way, if I don’t work, I don’t get paid. Holidays and breaks have been non-existent lately. I’m lucky that I have a good support network to keep me going!
So the next time you see photos and videos of me at a gig, just think: it might not be a night off! I might be there to review the facilities. I might be there secretly shopping the venue and staff. I might have been invited to see the improvements they've made. Chances are, I’m taking notes on my phone, preparing feedback to send back in an email, checking my diary to book another appointment. I’ve probably done a few hours' work on the train there, or have a 2-hour+ drive home afterwards. I’m likely in excruciating pain, have fatigue and really need to recharge my body in a hot bath. My 'To Do' list will be growing by the minute. It sometimes feels like it’s non-stop and there isn’t a divide between business and pleasure, but in a really weird way, I love it!
So, yes, I do work and going to gigs is part of my ‘proper’ job!
