The Disability Diva

The Disability Diva Disability Inclusion Specialist, providing businesses with strategies for inclusion that benefit all.

Mentor/digital tech tutor/bestselling author/disability advocate/motivational speaker

Today would have been my 15th wedding anniversary. By the time this date came around in our final year together, I think...
01/08/2025

Today would have been my 15th wedding anniversary.

By the time this date came around in our final year together, I think we both knew things weren't quite right.

The distance between us was growing, but we hadn't yet said the hard things out loud.

We weren't ready, at least, not just yet.

We sat with it longer than we should have.

And then, a few months later, we finally dared to face our truth.

We were honest. We opened up.

But that conversation marked the start of one of the most challenging times in my life.

Because not long after, life threw me one of its cruellest curveballs, my mum was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Suddenly, everything else faded into the background.
My energy went into survival. Into holding everything together.

In the nearly 10 years since our divorce, I've come to understand something important, which is sometimes relationships end not because they failed, but because we outgrow the version of ourselves that once fit there.

We wanted different things. And in the end, we honoured that by letting each other go.

I look back now not with regret, but with deep respect for the years we shared.

That chapter shaped me, but it didn't define me.

Since then, there's been grief. Growth. So much change.

Moments I never thought I'd get through, but I did.

There have also been moments of profound joy and deep healing.

Of travelling to new places, discovering new hobbies, and building a life that finally feels like mine.

Anniversaries like this are tender.

They remind me of the love that was real and the courage it took to walk away and start again.

If you're in the middle of change...

If you're grieving something or someone you thought would last forever...
Please know this, it's OK to feel all of it. And it's OK to keep going.

There is life after loss, and sometimes, it's where we discover the truest version of ourselves.

You are stronger than you think.

And there's still so much ahead.

Feeling the challenge of staying focused when you're working alone? You're not alone in this.You sit down at your desk w...
01/08/2025

Feeling the challenge of staying focused when you're working alone? You're not alone in this.

You sit down at your desk with the best intentions…

But somehow, the time slips away.

Your to-do list stares back at you, still full.

And that guilt? It's not a part of this space. It's all about understanding and support here.

👉 Maybe your brain works differently, jumping from task to task before anything feels "done."
👉 Maybe your body is tired, and pacing is essential.
👉 Maybe you're just wired for co-working and need a gentle rhythm to keep going.

Welcome to the Accountability Room.

A calm, supportive space to help you get things done without pressure, without shame, and without having to mask.

Here's how it works:

✅ We meet online for 2-hour body doubling sessions
✅ We do a quick check-in at the start (no forced small talk, just real connection)
✅ Then we each crack on with our tasks, knowing we're not alone
✅ At the end, we check back in and celebrate whatever got done (because progress looks different for everyone)

"productive time for my admin, which I know I'd struggle to do otherwise"
"It's like my brain calms down when I know someone else is here too."
"gives me space to do some of the things I wouldn't usually think about doing"

This space is perfect for:

🌱 ADHD and neurodivergent business owners
🌱 Anyone with chronic fatigue or fluctuating energy
🌱 Those who work better with gentle structure and compassionate accountability

🪑 Pull up a chair. You're welcome here.

Your productivity, in whatever form it takes, is highly valued here.

Let's honour how you work best.

🌟 Disability Awareness Training at Embrace 🌟On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of delivering my annual Disability Awareness ...
31/07/2025

🌟 Disability Awareness Training at Embrace 🌟

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of delivering my annual Disability Awareness Training for the brilliant young volunteers at Embrace.

The session was designed to gently build their confidence in working with disabled children and young people. We explored inclusive communication, adapting activities, and respectful support, all through real-life examples and open discussion.

This particular group brought a quiet thoughtfulness to the session. While they weren't always outwardly expressive, it was clear they were absorbing, reflecting, and processing in their own way. By the end, their reflections showed genuine growth in awareness and understanding, a testament to their dedication and potential to make a positive impact.

The graphic below highlights just a few of their comments, powerful reminders that even small mindset shifts can lead to significant changes in practice.

👉 If your organisation supports volunteers, whether they're teenagers or adults, disabled or non-disabled, this kind of training can make a real difference. It not only enhances the skills and confidence of your volunteers but also contributes to a more inclusive and diverse organisational culture.

I offer tailored sessions to suit the needs, age, and experience levels of the team, making disability awareness accessible, relatable, and empowering. No matter the diversity within your volunteer team, this training can be adapted to meet their unique needs.

📩 If you're interested in exploring how we can work together to equip your volunteers with the skills and confidence to create more inclusive spaces, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Imagine a world where every small business owner, regardless of ability, has the tools to succeed.Access to Work paves t...
30/07/2025

Imagine a world where every small business owner, regardless of ability, has the tools to succeed.

Access to Work paves the way for this vision by offering comprehensive support beyond physical adaptations. Let's explore how mental health support is a crucial component of this program.

Running a business can be a rollercoaster ride, and Access to Work acknowledges the importance of mental well-being. It provides resources like counselling services and stress management workshops to help entrepreneurs maintain a balanced mindset.

🧠 How do you prioritise mental health in your business journey? Let's share tips and support each other!

A step towards a healthier work-life balance by tapping into Access to Work's mental health resources. Spread the word to fellow business owners who might benefit from this invaluable support.

Yet, It’s All Anyone Ever NoticesContinue reading on Medium »
28/07/2025

Yet, It’s All Anyone Ever NoticesContinue reading on Medium »

Yet, It’s All Anyone Ever Notices

Have you ever wondered how a simple adjustment could revolutionise your workspace?Let's explore how Access to Work isn't...
23/07/2025

Have you ever wondered how a simple adjustment could revolutionise your workspace?

Let's explore how Access to Work isn't just about financial support; it's about unlocking potential. Picture your office, now more accessible than ever, with tailored adaptations that cater to your unique needs.

Access to Work is like a toolkit, offering solutions ranging from ergonomic furniture to specialised software. It empowers you to create an environment where you can thrive. I once met a tech guru who transformed her home office into a productivity paradise, all thanks to this program.

What changes would make your workspace more accessible? Please share your thoughts, and let's brainstorm together!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your work environment. Explore Access to Work options and pass on this knowledge to other business owners who could benefit from it.

Reflecting on the Past, Advocating for the FutureContinue reading on Medium »
21/07/2025

Reflecting on the Past, Advocating for the FutureContinue reading on Medium »

Reflecting on the Past, Advocating for the Future

You Don’t Have to Do This AloneLet’s be honest—working for yourself is hard. And when you’re disabled, neurodivergent, o...
16/07/2025

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Let’s be honest—working for yourself is hard. And when you’re disabled, neurodivergent, or dealing with chronic illness, it can feel even harder.

No structure. No deadlines. No co-workers are checking in. Just you… and a growing list of things you should be doing.

That’s why I created Accountability Rooms—because we can be productive, but we need the proper support:

Body doubling: Work alongside others to stay on track

Precise goal setting: Know what you’re focusing on each session

Real-time check-ins: Stay accountable in a supportive space

It’s not about pressure—it’s about gentle, structured support that helps you move forward.

💬 If you struggle with self-motivation, what’s one thing that helps you stay on track? Let’s share tips in the comments!

👉 Want more information on how to join an Accountability Room? Let me know in the comments, and I will be in touch,

Reflections on Growth, Challenges, and Unexpected WinsContinue reading on Medium »
14/07/2025

Reflections on Growth, Challenges, and Unexpected WinsContinue reading on Medium »

Reflections on Growth, Challenges, and Unexpected Wins

Accessibility Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought—It Should Be the StandardToo often, disabled people are told:❌ “We’ll look in...
09/07/2025

Accessibility Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought—It Should Be the Standard
Too often, disabled people are told:

❌ “We’ll look into accessibility later.”

❌ “We don’t get enough disabled customers to make changes.”

❌ “No one’s complained about it before.”

But here’s the thing:

✅ We exist, whether you acknowledge us or not.

✅ We try to be your customers, employees, and attendees—but barriers push us out.

✅ We shouldn’t have to fight for basic access.

Whether it’s a lack of captions on a video, steps with no ramp, or an inaccessible booking system—these are not just “minor inconveniences.”

They’re exclusions.

Businesses that prioritise accessibility from the start see the benefits:

🌍 A wider audience and more customers

💡 A better user experience for everyone

💰 More revenue (because the Purple Pound is real!)

Accessibility isn’t an upgrade—it’s a necessity. If you’re ready to make fundamental changes, let’s talk.

💬 What’s one accessibility barrier you wish more businesses took seriously?

For the neurodivergent among us… Routines and habits can feel like a rollercoaster, can't they?I've always struggled to ...
08/07/2025

For the neurodivergent among us… Routines and habits can feel like a rollercoaster, can't they?

I've always struggled to stick with things in the long term. I start strong, riding that dopamine wave, and for a few weeks, I feel like I've finally cracked it.

But once the novelty wears off?

It's so much harder to keep going.

That's when accountability matters most.

Having people who cheer you on, who notice when you keep showing up even on the hard days, that kind of support can be a game-changer.

That's precisely why I created the Accountability Room.

🧠 For neurodivergent brains that thrive with support

🪑 For those who need body doubling to stay focused

💬 For anyone who benefits from gentle structure and community

Our next live session is Thursday, but you don't have to wait until then.

You can join the community now and start receiving support immediately.

Drop a 💜 if you know the struggle, and comment or DM if you're ready to try something different.

You're not lazy. You're not broken. You just haven't had the proper support until now.

Why Not Wearing Underwear Still Feels Like a StatementContinue reading on Medium »
07/07/2025

Why Not Wearing Underwear Still Feels Like a StatementContinue reading on Medium »

Why Not Wearing Underwear Still Feels Like a Statement

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