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To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, the first National Network for Disability and Neurodiversity for Fire and Rescue Services will be launched at an online event hosted by equality leads who want to boost equity and reduce barriers for disabled people working in services across the country.
Created by equality leads from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the Network is an important step forward to improve disability inclusion and understanding within fire and rescue services. The Network, supported by the National Fire Chiefs Council, is intended to identify the barriers experienced in the working lives of employees to educate, create, innovate and improve policies, practice and culture.
The aim is to to enable equity for disabled people working within fire and rescue services and when accessing our services.
Nikki Hudson, Inclusion and Diversity Advisor for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “We know that many people are living with disabilities, long term health conditions and neurodivergent thinking styles within our sector, with varied support available within individual Services.” She says that many people have not yet shared their disability status with their employer and as a result, it is difficult to know the representation of disability within the fire and rescue service.
“We are experiencing an increased demand for screening and assessment for Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and other neurotypes from people previously missed. Many employees are also navigating assessments and support for their own children, which can be challenging and impact their working lives.”
Nikki Hudson, Inclusion & Diversity Advisor for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
The official launch takes place on Tuesday 3 December at 1200, Nicky Thurston, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said that they are aiming to unite the lived experiences of employees throughout fire and rescue services, to improve disability inclusion and understanding. “Whether you live with disabilities or are an ally for those that do, please join us as we embark upon a journey of improvement for UK Fire and Rescue Services.”
To join the launch event, email: nicola.thurston@kent-fire.gov.uk or Nikki.hudson@essex-fire.gov.uk.
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