Ability Today’s impact: Make sure you have a back up plan

Those were the words that came back to me as I was lying flat on my back, after sustaining serious spinal cord injuries at the age of 18. Throughout my time at secondary school my dream job was to be a journalist, and much to the annoyance of my career’s adviser, I wasn’t flexible enough to contemplate a back-up plan, in case that wasn’t to be.

Her words came back to me as the consultant outlined my prognosis. It was clear that my ‘good days’ would be before secondary complications set in.

During those months in hospital, I was aware my time working would be limited and  began to piece together an alternative future. It would be one where journalism could be put on the shelf for a later date and instead choose a career where I could do some good for people, like those I’d met on my ward, who were lonely and/or mentally unwell.

I decided to work ‘in the trenches’ of a local authority first in mental health then adults with complex needs. Although journalism was on the shelf, it wasn’t forgotten entirely. I had my mental health clients writing and edited a newsletter for the adults with complex needs.

Just as I was nearing my 30^th birthday, disaster struck with my first big complication since my initial injuries. My leg, damaged while I was in hospital, had to be amputated and following this operation, I became very ill.

By the time I was better, I knew I had to work less intensively so I pivoted, working in the charitable sector. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before more secondary complications were discovered, osteoporosis, kyphosis, and persistent pressure sores. In my 40’s, I thought it was all over.

As the political climate got worse for those with disabilities, I re-emerged, as I felt I could do something to help. I started by interviewing people who were struggling to survive, trying to get the message out that many people with disabilities were being treated unfairly.  With a few pieces published, it was time to reach up to that shelf, but the cost of the formal training was too expensive for me and as a result hampered my progress.

When I was offered the fantastic opportunity with Ability Today – being able to study for the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism with the Academy for Disabled Journalists. I realised they were enabling me to progress in the role I’ve dreamed about since being a teenager. I’ve been adaptable, taken-up back-up plans but now it’s time to focus and make use of this this opportunity I’ve been given.

Written By: Ruth Hunt