THE latest episode of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s podcast shines a light on employment, disability and accessibility.
The Muscular Dystrophy UK: Muscles Matter podcast, from the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions, discusses the important topics.
The episode is hosted by Jack McLellan, 32, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 1997. Jack heads up the charity’s Employability Service that helps people find suitable employment that works best for them, as well as providing advice and support to help people who are already employed continue working in a way that is safe and sustainable.
Jack was joined by guests Konstantina Nouka, 24, a pupil barrister from Oxford, who lives with Ullrich muscular dystrophy and is a full-time wheelchair user. Highlighting in the podcast, she ‘doesn’t want to be defined by her disability. It’s not my full identity, it’s just a slice of the cake.’ Konstantina always goes the extra mile, having recently completed the London Marathon as one of two wheelchair participants for the charity.
Konstantina Nouka. Copyright @MuscularDystrophyUK / Chris O’Donovan.Diya Sharma, 23, from Kent, who lives with congenital myopathy muscular dystrophy highlights ‘it’s good to be accepted in a community where you feel like you’re valuable’ and highlights ‘when it comes to employment I’ve found my disability to be a hindrance to securing a job and outcome from interviews are often we can’t accommodate your wheelchair. We can’t make necessary adjustments.’
The panel speaks openly about their challenges of employment with a muscle-wasting condition, adaptations in the workplace that make their jobs easier, and tips they have for others wanting to get into employment.
Jack McLellan, Employability Officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:
“As part of my role at Muscular Dystrophy UK, I support people living with a muscle-wasting or weakening condition who reach out to our employability helpline. Whether it’s to provide support on writing a CV, guiding them through the job applications or preparing them for interviews to help make things more manageable.
“I also assist in navigating the often-confusing job market, along with providing crucial information about employment rights and how to empower individuals. It’s a really important issue within the muscle wasting and weakening community, whether it’s someone taking their first step into work, newly diagnosed, or their work environment has changed. We are here for you.”
Tune into the Muscular Dystrophy UK: Muscles Matter podcast on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Amazon Music and more.
Find out more information about the Employability Service by visiting: musculardystrophyuk.org/
Read more about Konstantina’s story: musculardystrophyuk.org/
