The Equality Edit

Celebrating Disability

The Equality Edit unpacks equality and inclusion one story at a time. Hosted by Esi Hardy, each episode features storytelling and reflection with a guest disabled or non-disabled  from across the inclusion space. Together, they share personal and professional experiences, exploring why inclusion matters and what it takes to embed it in everyday life and work.

  1. The Impact of Not Listening: Eve's Story of Self-Advocacy Part 2

    3d ago

    The Impact of Not Listening: Eve's Story of Self-Advocacy Part 2

    The ability to advocate for ourselves isn't something most of us are taught. It often develops through experience, reflection and, sometimes, difficult situations that challenge how safe we feel to speak up.  In Part 2 of this conversation on The Equality Edit, Eve Mujinya and Esi reflect on the impact of not being listened to, what happens when people's rights aren't upheld, and why advocacy often becomes the only way to challenge injustice.  Rather than offering a checklist of solutions, this episode provides an honest insight into the emotional and practical realities of navigating discrimination. Through Eve's experiences, the conversation explores self-advocacy, community advocacy, bystander responsibility and the lasting impact of being heard—or ignored. It is a reminder that when organisations fail to act, the burden of creating change too often falls on the individual experiencing the injustice.  In this episode:  Why clear complaint processes matter. The role of independent advocacy. Recognising when you need to advocate for yourself. The connection between therapy, self-awareness and confidence. Self-preservation versus creating change. The impact of racism in the workplace. The responsibility of bystanders and organisations. Finding your own voice of advocacy.  Resources mentioned in this episode  Watch Part 1:The Impact of Not Listening: Eve's Story of Self Advocacy (Part 1) https://youtu.be/StI54qUMWGk?si=jIojHn-CxFMsMb0d Find out more about Eve Mujinya and Uplift With Her: https://www.upliftwithher.com Carl Rogers – Learn more about his work on person-centred therapy and humanistic psychology. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Watch her TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story.  FOLLOW US LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esihardy/ Newsletter - https://2dykvk.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2-mRmxbD6QkKL0_px3pDo4A Celebrating Disability website - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk Celebrating Disability blog - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk/the-blog/ #CelebratingDisability #LeaderInterviews #TheEqualityEdit #InclusionInTheWorkplace

    34 min
  2. The Impact of Not Listening: Eve's Story of Self Advocacy (Part 1)

    Jun 18

    The Impact of Not Listening: Eve's Story of Self Advocacy (Part 1)

    What happens when people speak up, ask for support, or challenge barriers, and nobody listens? In this first part of a two-part conversation on The Equality Edit, Esi is joined by occupational therapist, founder of Uplift With Her, and Celebrating Disability trainer, Eve Mujinya. Drawing on her own lived experience, Eve reflects on growing up without the language to understand her learning differences, navigating racism and discrimination, and the impact of repeatedly being underestimated. Together, Esi and Eve explore how these experiences shaped Eve's understanding of self-advocacy, resilience and personal growth. For HR professionals, EDI leads, managers and leaders, this episode offers valuable insight into the impact of not listening. The conversation explores how low expectations, assumptions and a lack of understanding can affect confidence, wellbeing and opportunity. It also highlights why creating environments where people feel able to contribute, challenge barriers and advocate for themselves is so important. Eve shares how therapy, self-reflection and understanding her neurodivergence helped her move beyond survival mode and build the confidence to advocate for herself and others. Along the way, the conversation explores masking, identity, change and the role that supportive environments can play in helping people thrive. This is Part 1 of 2. Part 2 will be released in three weeks and explores Eve's experiences within occupational therapy training, the barriers she encountered when seeking support, and the lessons organisations can learn about advocacy, accountability and inclusive practice. About Eve Mujinya My path has taken me in two directions: one of deep self-healing, and the other of helping others to do the same. I support people in getting unstuck, reminding them that they already have the awareness and the power to shift into a state of real wellbeing. Meditation isn't something to tick off a list, it's something to experience. It takes time, presence and practice, but it truly leads to somewhere meaningful. I'm also passionate about helping people to see that diversity, inclusion and equity are shared responsibilities. Advocacy is part of my journey, one I'm still learning and growing into. I believe that our lived experiences hold value, and I'm committed to using mine in a way that supports, uplifts and creates space for others to be seen and heard. Resources and Links • Uplift With Her – https://www.upliftwithher.com • Royal College of Occupational Therapists – https://www.rcot.co.uk • NHS Talking Therapies – https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service • Celebrating Disability Resources – https://celebratingdisability.co.uk/resources

    47 min
  3. Belonging, Disability And The Power Of Community

    May 27

    Belonging, Disability And The Power Of Community

    What happens when lived experience becomes the thing that reshapes your purpose?  In this episode of The Equality Edit, Esi Hardy speaks with Daniele Lul about disability, identity, activism, and the power of community-led change. Daniele shares how acquiring a disability later in life completely changed the way he experienced the world, from the sudden reality of marginalisation to finding purpose through advocacy and community work.  The conversation explores why disabled people must lead conversations about disability, how intersectionality shapes lived experience, and why inclusion cannot be built through assumptions. Together, Esi and Daniele unpack the importance of visibility, representation, activism, and creating spaces where disabled LGBTQ+ people feel seen, celebrated, and heard.  This episode reflects on resilience, community, accessible workplaces, and the role organisations play in creating environments where disabled people can thrive, not simply survive.  Resources & Links  ParaPride Website & Socials https://www.parapride.org/  https://www.instagram.com/parapride.world/  https://www.facebook.com/ParaPride.World/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/parapride/  Intersectionality Awareness Week Website & Socials https://intersectionalityawarenessweek.org/ https://www.instagram.com/intersectionalityawarenessweek/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/intersectionality-awareness-week/  https://www.facebook.com/IntersectionalityAwarenessWeek/  FOLLOW US LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esihardy/ Newsletter - https://2dykvk.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2-mRmxbD6QkKL0_px3pDo4A Celebrating Disability website - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk Celebrating Disability blog - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk/the-blog/ #CelebratingDisability #LeaderInterviews #TheEqualityEdit #InclusionInTheWorkplace

    1h 21m
  4. Inclusive Music And The Barriers We Forget

    May 7

    Inclusive Music And The Barriers We Forget

    What happens when a child wants to take part in music, but the instrument itself creates the barrier? In this episode of The Equality Edit, Esi Hardy is joined by Rachel Wolffsohn, General Manager of The OHMI Trust, to explore inclusive music, adapted instruments, and why access is about much more than saying an activity is “open to all.”  Rachel Wolffsohn works with The OHMI Trust, a Birmingham-based charity that supports physically disabled people to take part in music-making through adapted instruments, enabling equipment, and practical support. OHMI also runs OHMI Connect, a free online resource that helps disabled musicians identify instruments and equipment that may work for them.  Rachel shares how her work began through her son’s experience of hemiplegia after a stroke, and the realisation that music-making was far less accessible than expected. The conversation explores why many traditional instruments are designed around the assumption of two hands, ten dexterous fingers, and a standard way of moving.  Esi and Rachel discuss what this means in schools, music services, orchestras, choirs, and performance spaces. They talk about reasonable adjustments, adapted instruments, teacher confidence, assumptions around physical disability, and why inclusion must be planned across the whole experience, not only the lesson itself.  This episode is a practical reminder that accessibility is not about lowering expectations. It is about removing barriers so disabled people can take part, progress, and choose what they want to do.  Signposting: - The OHMI Trust- https://www.ohmi.org.uk/  - OHMI Connect (our website to identify possible instruments for a variety of needs/teaching interests) - https://ohmiconnect.org.uk/  - Nicholas McCarthy - https://nicholasmccarthy.co.uk/  - Tony Memmel - https://www.tonymemmel.com/  - David Nabb - https://www.yamaha.com/artists/davidnabb.html  - Felix Klieser - https://felixklieser.de/en/bio-en  - Open Up Music - https://www.openupmusic.org/  - Drake Music - https://www.drakemusic.org/  - Music of Life - https://musicoflife.org.uk/  FOLLOW US LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esihardy/ Newsletter - https://2dykvk.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2-mRmxbD6QkKL0_px3pDo4A Celebrating Disability website - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk Equality in the workplace blog - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk/the-blog/ #CelebratingDisability #LeaderInterviews #TheEqualityEdit #InclusionInTheWorkplace

    1h 15m
  5. Disability Pride, Community and the Disability Movement

    Apr 16

    Disability Pride, Community and the Disability Movement

    Esi is joined by Berni Vincent, a disabled activist, artist, and long-standing figure in the disability movement. Berni shares her journey from growing up excluded and isolated, to becoming proud to be a disabled person through connection, community, and collective action. Along the way, she reflects on how meeting other disabled people shifted her thinking and sense of identity, something that also influenced Esi’s own approach to disability. The conversation explores what inclusion really looks like in practice, the difference between meaningful support and token gestures, and why co-production still matters. There is also a clear thread around what has changed, and what has been lost, as spaces for disabled people have become more fragmented and more digital. Berni also shares how her experiences have shaped her art today and how creativity has become another way to express identity, politics, and lived experience. Signposting and resources Berni Vincent’s art  https://outsidein.org.uk/galleries/berni-vincent/ Outside In A platform supporting artists who experience barriers to the mainstream art world. https://outsidein.org.uk/ Under Marc’s leadership, Outside In has become a trailblazer in the art world, supporting thousands of artists who face barriers due to health, disability, social circumstance, or isolation. With over 4,000 artists showcased on its digital platform, more than 80 exhibitions (physical and online) and a growing number of outsider and non-traditional artists represented in the charity’s own Collection, Outside In has become a leading voice for artists outside the mainstream. FOLLOW US LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esihardy/ Newsletter - https://2dykvk.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2-mRmxbD6QkKL0_px3pDo4A Celebrating Disability website - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk Celebrating Disability blog - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk/the-blog/ #CelebratingDisability #LeaderInterviews #TheEqualityEdit #InclusionInTheWorkplace

    57 min
  6. Where Inclusion Really Happens

    Mar 26

    Where Inclusion Really Happens

    What starts as a conversation between two long standing colleagues quickly opens into something deeper about identity, leadership, friendship, and what it really takes to create inclusive cultures.  Content Warning: This episode includes occasional strong language.  Joanne Lockwood, founder of SEE Change Happen and The Trans Inclusion Toolkit, reflects on building a business while navigating gender transition, and how that journey shaped her thinking far beyond one area of inclusion. Rather than staying in a single lane, Joanne talks about what it means to grow into broader EDI work, and why lived experience alone is not enough without reflection, learning, and strategy.  The conversation moves through personal stories, internalised ableism, friendship, advocacy, and the emotional load of constantly having to explain yourself. Joanne and Esi explore what it means to show up in the world when identity is always being read, questioned, or judged, and why safe spaces matter when the rest of the world can feel noisy and demanding.  Alongside the personal reflections, the episode turns to leadership. Joanne makes a strong case for investing in line managers and leaders, not only to understand inclusion in theory, but to develop emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, psychological safety, and the confidence to respond well to people as individuals. The thread running through the whole conversation is clear: inclusive workplaces are not built through policy alone, they are shaped in the everyday moments where people feel seen, supported, and understood.  This is for leaders, line managers, EDI professionals, and anyone trying to build working cultures where people do not have to fight to be recognised as fully human before they can thrive.  SIGNPOSTING AND RESOURCES  SEE Change Happen.  Joanne’s main consultancy, focused on helping organisations build more inclusive cultures and stronger leadership practice.  Link: https://seechangehappen.co.uk/  Joanne Lockwood.  Joanne’s personal website, with speaking, consultancy, and wider information about her work in inclusion and leadership.  Link: https://joannelockwood.co.uk/  The Trans Inclusion Toolkit.  A practical resource designed to help organisations approach trans inclusion with more confidence, clarity, and care.  Link: https://thetransinclusiontoolkit.co.uk/  Pam Burrows, People Booster https://www.pamburrows.com/ Robbie Williams Quote: 'There's no point regretting things. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. Life's too short to worry about things I've said.’  FOLLOW US LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esihardy/ Newsletter - https://2dykvk.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2-mRmxbD6QkKL0_px3pDo4A Celebrating Disability website - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk Equality in the workplace blog #CelebratingDisability #LeaderInterviews #TheEqualityEdit #InclusionInTheWorkplace

    1h 2m
  7. Psychological Safety, Not Perfect Answers

    Mar 5

    Psychological Safety, Not Perfect Answers

    A conversation that feels like two colleagues picking up mid sentence, and lands on a clear message. Inclusion becomes real when it is built into everyday culture, not parked in a strategy document. Esi is joined by Andrew Murray, Head of Learning and Development at Homes for Students. Over four and a half years of partnership, Homes for Students has shaped a DEIB approach that starts with colleagues, then carries through to residents, with the same standard of care on both sides. Andrew shares what it takes to move away from tick box thinking. It is not about having all the answers. It is about building the confidence to ask better questions, respond well to feedback, and keep learning without fear of getting it wrong. The episode explores what belonging looks like in practice, from LGBTQ+ psychological safety at work, to using colleague led storytelling in Together Is Better Time, and designing student experiences that recognise sensory overload, uncertainty, and access needs from day one. There is a strong practical thread throughout. Use data to prioritise, involve the people impacted, and keep inclusion evolving as the world changes. The message is simple. Culture is built through what happens repeatedly, not what happens once. This is for learning leaders, EDI professionals, people leaders, and anyone responsible for workplace culture who wants inclusion to show up in language, systems, and everyday decisions. Signposting and resources Homes for Students https://abouthomesforstudents.com/diversity-and-inclusion/ Inclusive Employers https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/ State of Mind Sport https://www.stateofmindsport.org/ FOLLOW US LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esihardy/ Newsletter - https://2dykvk.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2-mRmxbD6QkKL0_px3pDo4A Celebrating Disability website - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk Celebrating Disability Blog #CelebratingDisability #LeaderInterviews #TheEqualityEdit #InclusionInTheWorkplace

    57 min
  8. Accessibility Beyond The E-Learning Content

    Feb 12

    Accessibility Beyond The E-Learning Content

    A conversation that starts with long time colleague energy, and ends with a rallying call to stop treating accessibility like a nice to have.  Susi Miller, founder of eLaHub and author of Designing Accessible Learning Content, shares what changed when accessibility regulations became a catalyst, and why learning content has to catch up with other industries that already treat accessibility as innovation.  The episode moves between practical reality and lived impact, including Esi’s experience of being refused a reasonable adjustment in education, and how “equal treatment” can still be discrimination. Susi also shares the moment she realised she had overlooked speech access needs in a live session, and what that taught her about designing with flexibility, not assumptions.  The conversation lands on a hard truth. If learning excludes disabled people, it cannot be called excellent. When as much as 25 percent of an audience can be impacted, accessibility stops being a technical detail and becomes a leadership responsibility.  This is for learning leaders, content creators, EDI professionals, and anyone building training who wants accessibility to move from compliance to culture, and from intention to everyday practice.  SIGNPOSTING AND RESOURCES  eLaHub, Designing Accessible Learning Content Programme: A self access programme showing what accessible learning can look like, built to practice what it teaches.  Link: https://www.elahub.net/sp/designing-accessible-learning-content-programme/ (eLaHub)  eLa1000 Accessibility Assessment: A free assessment tool to benchmark learning content accessibility and get a report on where things stand.  Link: https://ela1000assessment.elahub.net/ (ela1000assessment.elahub.net)  Designing Accessible Learning Content, Second Edition, Kogan Page.  Susi’s book, written to translate WCAG into practical steps for learning content design.  Kogan Page Link: https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/designing-accessible-learning-content-9781398618206 (koganpage.com)  Amazon Link: https://amzn.eu/d/04VsoHo2   Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG 2.2, W3C: The standards discussed throughout, including what changed in WCAG 2.2.  Link: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/ (W3C)  UK Public Sector Accessibility Regulations 2018, legislation: The regulations Susi describes as a catalyst for accessible digital content standards.  Link: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/952/contents (Legislation.gov.uk)  European Accessibility Act, European Commission: The wider direction of travel discussed, where accessibility becomes the default, not the exception.  Link: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/disability/european-accessibility-act-eaa_en (European Commission)  Influences Mentioned By Susi: Haben Girma, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habengirma   Lainey Feingold, website: https://www.lflegal.com/   Léonie Watson, LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lwatson   Molly Burke, Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/%40MollyBurkeOfficial   Sinéad Burke, LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/thesineadburke  Jenny Lay Flurrie, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylf     FOLLOW US LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esihardy/ Newsletter - https://2dykvk.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2-mRmxbD6QkKL0_px3pDo4A Celebrating Disability website - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk Equality in the workplace blog #CelebratingDisability #LeaderInterviews #TheEqualityEdit #InclusionInTheWorkplace

    1h 19m
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About

The Equality Edit unpacks equality and inclusion one story at a time. Hosted by Esi Hardy, each episode features storytelling and reflection with a guest disabled or non-disabled  from across the inclusion space. Together, they share personal and professional experiences, exploring why inclusion matters and what it takes to embed it in everyday life and work.

Information

  • Creator
    Celebrating Disability
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Celebrating Disability
  • Show Website
    The Equality Edit