Working With a Disability: Tips From Disabled Employees and Entrepreneurs

Living with a disability can bring unique challenges when it comes to work . From balancing health with career ambitions to redefining what productivity looks like. But it also brings resilience, creativity, and new ways of approaching success.

We asked members of our Cool Crutches community to share their personal stories and top advice for working with a disability. From doctors to entrepreneurs, their journeys are as inspiring as the lessons they’ve learned.

Amelia

Co-Founder of Cool Crutches

Amelia is our co-founder and lives with a spinal injury. Balancing the demands of running a business with managing her health has given her a clear perspective on what it really takes to work well with a disability.

Amelia's Advice:

• Get clear on what you want out of work - is it purpose, money, or flexibility to live more comfortably? None are right or wrong, but prioritising why you’re doing it helps stop the overwhelm.

• Map out how you can make this happen. Write it down (I love Grace Beverley’s Productivity Method for tracking goals) and work towards it with a clear idea of what “getting it right” looks like (fewer weekend flares), and what “getting it wrong” looks like (flares leaving me in bed for long stretches).

• Keep Wednesdays meeting-free. I’ve found that having no more than two full workdays back-to-back gives me breathing space to recharge. Knowing I can’t do five straight days is key to working well when I do.

• Get organised. I do a 30-minute reset every morning to review my to-do list and what’s realistic for the week. Half the battle is managing expectations - being clear about what’s actually possible makes Friday feel like a win.

• Say no. To meetings, “quick chats,” or in-person requests that could easily be handled online. Prioritise your health. People don’t understand what they don’t know, so communicate it, and build a schedule that works for you.

Dr Liz BCA

Doctor, Patient & Charity Founder

Liz’s life has been shaped by Stage 4 Endometriosis, bowel and bladder damage, multiple miscarriages, and autoimmune conditions. After 10 years working in clinical medicine, she stepped back for her health and went on to found Mortal and Strong, a charity supporting people navigating chronic illness through art and community.

Liz's Tips:

• Find ways to align your mental pace with your physical needs to reduce frustration. If your mind is active (like mine) don't let it trick you into thinking your body can do more than it should.
  
  

• Both you and your employer need to be flexible and adaptable. You know health challenges are going to arise, so make sure everyone is prepared to be flexible with this.

• Be kind to yourself. Try and remember your body isn’t against you, it’s actually working with you the best it can. The better your relationship is with it, the easier working, and life, will be.

Eline

Entrepreneur & Somatic Coach

After a series of accidents that left her with CRPS and FND, Eline turned her experience into a business, The Spoonies Community, supporting people with chronic illness through coaching and group connection.

Eline's Advice:

• Focus on what brings you joy first, rather than 'what to do for work'. It may open up the career path you never thought of.

• Pay attention to focus and fatigue. If you are hitting a wall with energy, stop, go outside, have a cup of tea - it's ok to take breaks.

• Redefine what “work” looks like. It doesn’t have to mean 40 hours, it doesn't even have to mean an income. 

Sarah

Entrepreneur & Advocate

Living with PoTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Sarah lost her job but went on to create the Excel Against the Odds and The Chronic Empowerment Hub, supporting disabled entrepreneurs and employees.

Sarah's Thoughts:

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!!
  
  
• Listen to your body and keep it moving. Our bodies are very good at communicating needs, so we need to try and tune in and make adjustments whenever necessary.
  
  
• We all have different energy levels at different times of the day/week/month, and once we understand how our energy fluctuates, we can work around it much better.
  
  
• Look into Access to Work. This is a governmental scheme which can help you get the equipment and support you need to remain in the workforce.

Lisa

Community Nurse & Advocate

Lisa, 35, from South-West London, lives with post-traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and neurodivergence. After her own accident as a teenager, she became a nurse to improve patient care. Despite failing exams and nearly giving up, she persevered and now works as a community nurse.

Lisa's Guidance:

• Understanding your rights under the Equality Act 2010 is essential. You are allowed reasonable adjustment at work to make it more manageable for you.
  
  

• Start by acknowledging what you need to do your job well. Whether it's flexible hours, adaptive equipment or rest breaks. You don’t have to share this with everyone, but be clear with yourself and your manager.

• Learn to pace your workload, build in recovery time, and recognise signs of burnout early. Sustainable work isn’t about pushing through, it’s about adapting and thriving in a way that respects your limits.
  
  

Final Thoughts

From Liz turning her medical experience into advocacy, to Eline building a business from her lived pain, to Sarah creating inclusive communities, and Lisa being the change she wanted to see in nursing - each story shows that working with a disability is possible, valuable, and deeply inspiring.

Their advice is clear: listen to your body, seek support, and know your capabilities. Working with a disability might look different, but it’s every bit as valid.

If you found this blog useful, then please take a few minutes to read about these incredible women : 

Dr Liz Murray: Women's Health Advocate

Lisa: Nursing with a Disability

Sarah's Guide for Disabled Employees and Entrepreneurs 

Eline: Turning Trauma into Purpose