Venetia Law

About Me

Venetia Law is an Advisor in the Opportunity & Inclusion team for EMEA at The Walt Disney Company, based in London. Venetia has Dyslexia and ADHD and is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can feel supported and have the opportunity to succeed.

My Journey

My career has always been centered around inclusion.

My first role was in Social Value, where I focused on outreach programmes designed to support underrepresented communities and help people overcome barriers to employment. Much of the work was externally focused, creating opportunities and pathways into the workplace for individuals who may not otherwise have had access to them. Through this experience, I developed a strong passion for helping people reach their potential and creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Over four and a half years ago, I joined The Walt Disney Company as part of the Opportunity & Inclusion team, where I have remained throughout my time at Disney. In my current role, I support programmes, events and initiatives for employees across the EMEA region that help foster belonging and create opportunities for people to connect, learn and grow.

What I enjoy most about my role is that no two days are the same. I have the opportunity to work with colleagues from across the business, collaborate with senior leaders and support initiatives that help create a positive and inclusive employee experience. As someone with dyslexia and ADHD, I have a personal appreciation for why creating workplaces where people can thrive matters so much.

Recruitment Process and Disclosure

Throughout the recruitment process, it was clear that support, adjustments and accommodations were available for anyone who needed them.

I chose not to disclose my dyslexia and ADHD during the application process, but that was simply a personal decision based on my own circumstances. For me, my dyslexia and ADHD did not create a need for adjustments during recruitment, so I felt comfortable progressing through the process without disclosing them at that stage.

Once I joined Disney, I was open with my team about being neurodivergent. Having those conversations early on helped create understanding and allowed me to be more open about how I approach my work and the ways I process information and tasks.

One thing I have learned is that disclosure is a very personal choice. Some people will benefit from adjustments during recruitment, while others may not need them. What matters most is knowing that support is available and feeling empowered to access it if it will help you perform at your best.

Disney’s Approach to Disability and Neurodiversity

Disney offers strong support and guidance for employees with disabilities and neurodivergences. Throughout my time at the company, I have been able to access resources and toolkits focused on neurodiversity, and there are clear pathways for employees to explore and request workplace adjustments where needed.

My own understanding of neurodiversity has evolved over time. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, but I was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. As a result, my journey has involved continuing to learn more about myself, how I work best and what support helps me thrive in the workplace.

One of the most valuable aspects of my experience has been the openness of my manager and colleagues. My manager is always willing to have conversations about how my dyslexia and ADHD impact me and what support might be helpful. Having an environment where I feel comfortable discussing my needs has made a significant difference to both my confidence and wellbeing at work.

Being open about my neurodiversity has also allowed me to be more authentic and comfortable at work. Rather than feeling I need to hide parts of myself, I can talk openly about the support, approaches and tools that help me succeed, celebrate my strengths and explore strategies to overcome challenges.

We also have a disability employee network group that connects colleagues from across the business and creates a sense of community. Having a space where employees can share experiences, learn from one another and advocate for greater inclusion helps create a workplace where people feel they belong.

The Strengths Dyslexia and ADHD Have Given Me

While dyslexia and ADHD can present challenges, they have also given me strengths that have been hugely valuable throughout my career.

Dyslexia and ADHD have encouraged me to think differently and approach problems from new perspectives. They have strengthened my creativity, adaptability and resilience. I often find myself looking at the bigger picture, connecting ideas and spotting opportunities that others may not immediately see.

ADHD also brings a level of enthusiasm and energy that helps me engage people and drive initiatives forward. Working in Opportunity & Inclusion, these strengths have been particularly valuable when developing programmes, building relationships and finding creative solutions to challenges.

Being open about my neurodiversity has helped me better understand both my strengths and my development areas. It has allowed me to view challenges through a different lens and explore approaches that work for me, rather than trying to fit a single standard model.

Advice for Disabled Students and Graduates

My biggest piece of advice would be not to underestimate the value of your unique perspective.

It can be easy to focus on what you find difficult, but disabilities and neurodivergent conditions can also bring strengths that are highly valuable in the workplace. The key is understanding what works best for you and finding an employer that values different ways of thinking and working.

Some practical advice I would give is:

• Focus on your strengths as well as your challenges.
• Research employers and their approach to disability inclusion.
• Feel confident asking about adjustments and support available during recruitment.
• Remember that disclosure is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong approach.
• Advocate for what will help you succeed.
• Be kind to yourself and recognise that everyone’s journey is different.

Most importantly, be yourself. The qualities that make you different can often become some of your greatest strengths. With the right support, understanding and confidence, dyslexia, ADHD and other disabilities do not define what you can achieve. They are simply one part of who you are and what you bring to the workplace.