Championing accessibility on International Day of People with Disabilities

Her recognition highlights Jo’s unwavering commitment to advocating for accessibility, breaking down barriers, and fostering a more inclusive workplace. Having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2018, Jo’s insights not only inspire but also challenge us to rethink how we support and empower colleagues with disabilities.

Can you share what this recognition means to you and the impact you hope it will have on advancing accessibility and inclusion in the workplace?

Sure! It really does mean a lot. I’ve been championing greater awareness and support for people living with disabilities within E.ON and driving the creation and expansion of the adaptABILITY colleague network for about five years now, and to have the efforts recognised is huge. I really hope it helps in opening the conversation up more, and I hope that my openness with my own story will inspire others to share their own. I truly believe that E.ON wants to support disabled colleagues in the workplace, but they can only help if you’re honest.

Can you share your journey with MS and how it has shaped your perspective on life and work?

I was diagnosed with MS back in January 2018. After years of my body not working quite as well as it probably should, I tried to pass it off as getting old (in my 20s!), working too hard as I was constantly up and down the country for work and even down to my diet.

After going blind in one eye in June 2017, I couldn’t really excuse it away any longer and so began my journey to diagnosis. After many blood tests and scans, I eventually got the diagnosis, and we could probably track it back to at least 2010.

While it’s a relief to finally know what’s wrong with you, you go through a whole journey of grief for the life you thought you’d have and your health. I went through a phase of feeling intense rejection of myself because I felt so let down by my body. Fear for the future. You just have to ride that wave and accept that these feelings come and go too.

I was quickly put on a medication called Lemtrada which was a two-round course of treatment administered in hospital via IV, a year apart. I’m pleased to say it’s doing its thing and I’m quietly confident I’ve not relapsed since 2017.

What do you wish more people understood about living with MS?

I can wake up in the morning and feel a million dollars but by 10am I might feel like I’ve lost a million dollars. This thing fluctuates and how I feel can change by the hour – not just by the day. And just because I look fine sat in my little square on MS Teams, doesn’t mean I’m not finding things tough today.

The way it impacts you is so broad too and even then, it’s a moving and varied scale day to day, hour to hour. From widespread and persistent pain to fatigue and cognition challenges, heat sensitivity and sensory overload, it often feels like it’s easier to explain how it doesn’t impact me.

What would you like others to know about MS that could help in creating a more inclusive environment?

Everyone seems to know someone impacted by MS – but no two are the same. So never make assumptions about what I need or how something does or will impact me on any given day. The classic thing is physical activity. Some days, I can do it. Other days I can’t. Some days, I can’t really but I’ll take the hit anyway because I want to be involved.

Are there misconceptions about MS that you’d like to dispel?

Probably that when I get my annual letter from my MRI saying, ‘no evidence of disease activity’, it doesn’t mean I’m cured. And just because I look ok, or I’m not having a moan, doesn’t mean I’m alright.

How do you think raising awareness on International Day of People with Disabilities can impact perceptions about invisible disabilities?

I hope it helps people to see that you can have a fulfilled life, and you can progress and do well at work with the right people around supporting you. People with invisible disabilities aren’t ‘less’ than able bodied people and they can bring so much to the workplace if they have the right conditions to thrive.

How has E.ON supported you?

I feel well supported – there’s no expectation for me to come into the office except for my monthly team meeting and even then, the option is there to dial in if it turns out it’s a bad day. I work a nine-day fortnight which means every other Friday I have a slightly longer weekend and that’s really helped in managing fatigue. I can manage my hours flexibly in the day if I need to and have been known to take the odd nap when needed!

How can colleagues and managers be better allies to someone living with MS or other disabilities?

Ask questions – even something as basic as ‘what actually is MS?’ I didn’t know what it was until I had it, so I don’t expect you to know. I really value people trying to understand how it impacts me, rather than making assumptions, and letting me make my own decisions about what I can and can’t do on a given day. Listening, and getting curious is the best gift you can give. Sometimes you might get the question wrong, but if it’s well intentioned, it’s better than no question. It’s not trying to be a voice for me or trying to fight my battles. It’s giving disabled people a seat at the table to make their own choices and having a can-do attitude to adjustments people need whether that’s something physical, or better flexibility on working hours or location.

I believe it’s so important for workplaces to understand the value of flexibility, especially for colleagues with conditions like MS or other fluctuating health issues. These conditions don’t operate on a schedule, and having the option to work remotely or adjust plans can make a huge difference in supporting well-being and productivity.

What are some of the ways you’ve adapted to manage MS during a work environment?

I think a lot of this has been out of my control as the way we’ve worked has changed dramatically since the pandemic. It showed us a world where hybrid working is possible, and I sometimes wonder if I’d still be in full time work if this change to the way we work hadn’t happened. And I think the answer is no, I wouldn’t. I feel like being open about my condition, and for the most part pretty pragmatic and candid about it (when appropriate!) has really helped me to have a good experience with work and be able to progress my career.

What does accessibility and inclusion mean to you personally?

It’s being able to turn up to work whether that’s at home or in the office and have the right conditions to be able to give my best. Not having barriers in my physical environment or from the people around me. It’s having the autonomy to work in a way that feels right for me on that day, and not feel like I’m getting special treatment, or like I’m being a bit of a pain. It’s feeling safe enough to be honest about my condition and what I need to be my best self at work without fear of barriers. And its people asking questions and getting curious, rather than clamming up and avoiding the conversation.

Continuing the journey toward inclusion

On this International Day of People with Disabilities, we proudly reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity. By listening, learning, and making meaningful changes, we can create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Congratulations to Jo once again on this well-deserved award. Let’s continue to champion accessibility and inclusion today and every day!