IP Ability

We decided to begin our work by getting a better idea of current levels of support in the IP sector for disabled people and carers. We wanted to know how much awareness and understanding there is, among both employers and employees, about suitable workplace adjustments; whether people feel comfortable asking for support; and generally how “disability-confident” our organisations are. We launched our inaugural survey in November 2019 and we’ll be analysing and reporting the results shortly. We hope to use the information to help shape our 2020 plans, allowing us to target support and awareness-raising to the areas where they’re most needed.

The survey was open to all IP professionals, whatever their role and career level. Importantly, it was just as much for people who don’t have disabilities or caring responsibilities as for those who do: this will give us valuable information about the extent of any problems that the responses identify. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part.

We hope soon to publish a collection of useful links and resources to help IP professionals become more disability-confident.

In the meantime, here are links to recordings of three relevant IP Inclusive webinars: “Enabling not disabling” (July 2019), “Colleagues on the autism spectrum” (September 2019) and “Inclusivity and the menopause” (February 2020). And below you can listen to an audio recording of the discussions at our 3 December 2019 launch gathering:

You may also find our Mental Health and Wellbeing page useful, or the “News and Features” posts below.

We would love to hear from you with your suggestions, both about resources you already know of and those you’d like to find here. Please also check out IP Inclusive’s main Resources page for other materials relevant to diversity and inclusion.