From the workplace
Blind
Christina McCarthy
What led you to this role? Why did you choose to join this organisation?
I discovered Enterprise through the company’s partnership with AHEAD, the Association of Higher Education, Access, and Disability. The fact that they were in partnership with AHEAD, is what drew me to Enterprise as they were clearly committed to having an inclusive workforce.
I started as an intern and within just 3 weeks of being there, my operations supervisor asked me to stay full-time.
How do you manage your disability at work?
I was born with Retinopathy of Prematurity, meaning that I am completely blind. Therefore, I heavily rely on assistive technology to work because, without it, I would need someone to constantly proof read my work or even be able to make my own phone calls. Assistive technology consists of a wide variety of hardware and software that helps someone to use a computer. For me, software has been developed to integrate our systems with my braille reader, meaning that I can get on with my work without having to ask anyone for assistance.
How has your employer helped you to do well at your workplace?
Straight away, Enterprise asked me what I needed. In my interview, I was asked “what do you need” and that was the best thing that they could’ve done. Nobody assumed what I needed and asked me how they help me integrate. Once this happened, Enterprise found out everything they needed and got the assistance they needed, meaning I got all the resources I needed to do well at work.
I have also been given a mentor, meaning that I have someone to talk to whenever I need something but also, I have someone who can assist with my upward mobility within the company. I work in a busy branch in Dublin, but I have also been invited to help our PR team which has helped my upward mobility.
How would you describe the diversity culture at your organisation?
Enterprise are very committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture, and they have proved that to me with everything they have done to support me. Enterprise aren’t afraid to take on a challenge they have never taken on before as they are willing to learn and adapt to anyone who is perfect for the role. It’s become clear to me that, as part of their diversity culture, Enterprise want to take a challenge and turn it into a success and that’s definitely the case with me.
Related topics
At MyPlus Students’ Club we have a range of blogs related to this topic, to read further click on the relevant link below:
Why I chose to study with The Open University
My experience with transformative adjustments at work
3 steps to achieving disability confidence with talent managers from Enterprise
