Systemic Ableism:
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A social media post from "Making Space" discusses accessibility green flags for disabled jobseekers. The post highlights the importance of knowing if a job meets access needs before applying. It invites people to comment their own green flags and lists several, including remote/hybrid options, employee assistance programs, disability insurance, flexible time off (with mental health and sick days separated), good DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ratings, health insurance for part-time roles, transparency around unlimited PTO, disability inclusion in job postings, having a Disability ERG (Employee Resource Group), and accessible bathrooms and break rooms. The post ends with “What did we miss?” and includes hashtags: #Disability #Remote #Accessibility.
We’re still being made to take exams and navigate inaccessible processes just to be considered for jobs — even while managing the daily challenges of chronic pain and illness. Accessibility remains seriously lacking, and awareness of the employment barriers disabled people face is nowhere near where it needs to be.
I created a podcast for DurhamEnable to support my community. But instead of being uplifted, I was silenced. Durham County Council pretended to care about my wellbeing while stripping away job opportunities, ignoring my access needs, and enabling discrimination and hate campaigns.
I cannot — and will not — work with any organisation that punishes disabled people for how they manage their disabilities and pain. I will never forgive DurhamEnable or Durham County Council for failing me, mistreating me, and betraying the disabled community they claim to serve.
Well done, Durham County Council, on your performative changes. But these are not the systemic shifts our community so desperately needs. While you pretend to care, those of us who do care are putting everything on the line to challenge the very systems you use against us.
Sarah Wingfield
Independent Disability Advocate
