After 12 years, I had to stop doing the job I loved because I developed a work-based injury.
After getting over the disappointment, I started the search for a new career.
I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined, so I knocked on a lot of doors. But no matter how hard I knocked, every door stayed firmly shut.
Then it hit me.
I wasn’t alone. There must be thousands of people with disabilities all going through exactly the same thing.
Whilst many employers are struggling with a staff shortage, here we are, an army of enthusiastic workers right on their doorstep.
We were all applying for jobs that we could do - especially with new technology and mobile working - but not getting the chance to prove it. Many more had given up even applying, despite the fact they would had made excellent, loyal employees.
At first, it just seemed crazy - and okay, maybe a little ‘frustrating’! But after a while, it got me thinking. I started to wonder if there was something I could do….
Any advice or sharing of experiences will help.
If we can get things right, we could make a huge difference every day to lots of people's lives.
And part of that will be down to you.
Even if you think there's only the smallest chance you can help,
Pete Farrell