Beyond Labels: Challenging the Stigma of ‘Disabled’

An IP Ability Webinar

Monday 11 December 2023

12.30 – 1.30 pm, online

Sunday 3 December 2023 was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Attendees joined IP Ability on Monday 11 December 2023 for a thought-provoking webinar as they discussed the societal stigma associated with the terms ‘disabled’ and ‘disability’.

In a society that often misunderstands and misrepresents disability, this webinar sought to reshape perspectives as we discussed individuals’ personal relationship with the two terms.

Whether you’re an advocate, ally or someone eager to broaden their understanding, this webinar offered the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive future. We embarked on a journey of enlightenment, empathy and empowerment as we work to foster a world in which everyone is able to use the language that best fits their own identity when describing themselves.

Who were our speakers?

Two panellists, Hannah Clifford and Ryan Kelly from the Law Society Disabled Solicitors Network committee, discussed the topic of the stigma associated with the terms ‘disabled’ and ‘disability’. The discussion was chaired by IP Ability co-lead Marianne Privett of AA Thornton.

Hannah is a solicitor at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office. She specialises in serious injury and represents claimants who have suffered catastrophic injuries. Hannah is the co-chair of Irwin Mitchell’s internal network for disabled colleagues. Hannah is passionate about disability inclusion and speaks openly about her own experience of living with a disability.

Ryan is an in-house lawyer who qualified in 2014. Ryan joined the Disabled Solicitors Network in 2023 and is registered blind so has first-hand experience of living, studying and working with a disability. Ryan is passionate about equality and diversity and hopes that his experiences will help to  guide and inspire businesses and individuals to embrace their differences.

Who was it for?

This event was open to all UK-based IP professionals. It didn’t matter what type of organisation you work in, what role you play in it or what your career level; everyone was welcome – including of course disabled people, carers and their allies.

Follow-up resources

A recording of the event is available here. You may also be interested in “Reading the Room”, a summary of the event on our website News and Features page.

The links kindly shared during the webinar by Chris Seel (Diversity and Inclusion Adviser at the Law Society) were:

COST

This event was free. So are all our resources. That said, we do need money to keep the show on the road, so if you enjoyed the event please consider contributing. For more information, visit the IP Inclusive fundraising page.