Disability Pride Month: From the Heart with Kristin Kastner

Kristin Kastner, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Invesco, is an active member of the Disability Workstream. Kristin is based in the Frankfurt office and has bravely shared her personal journey, the importance of community, and what Disability Pride means to her:

“For me, Disability Pride means embracing who I am - challenges and all - and recognising the strength that comes from overcoming obstacles. It’s about being proud of my journey, advocating for change, and helping others feel seen and valued for their unique experiences.”

Considering your personal journey, what advice would you give to individuals or families navigating similar experiences with disabilities?

After a car accident, I spent several months in a wheelchair and later used crutches to get around. Even now, I am unable to run or walk long distances as I once enjoyed. The accident itself was traumatic, and it took a great deal of effort to rebuild my life. While I was in the hospital, many adaptations were already in place, so I didn’t feel the impact of my new limitations as strongly. However, once I returned to daily life, the real challenges began.

I quickly realised how difficult it was to visit my workplace, as I couldn’t access my office or restrooms without being able to stand up from my wheelchair. People often tried to be helpful by holding doors open for me, but sometimes this made me feel uncomfortable or dependent - I would have much preferred automatic doors, like those in the hospital, which allowed me to move independently.

Using public transportation also required careful planning, so I often had to rely on private cars or taxis, which was not only frustrating but also expensive.

My advice to others in similar situations is to stay positive and persistent. When you encounter a barrier, there is often a way to work around it, even if it takes creativity and determination. At the same time, it’s important to speak up and advocate for change. By sharing our experiences and voicing our needs, we can help create a more accessible and understanding world for everyone. Remember, you are not alone, and your voice truly matters.

How has your experience with disability influenced your approach to work and relationships with colleagues?

My experience with disability has given me a much deeper appreciation for the importance of empathy, flexibility, and open communication in the workplace. Having faced unexpected barriers myself, I am more aware that everyone can encounter challenges—whether visible or not -and that a supportive environment makes a significant difference.

At work, I try to approach situations with understanding and patience, both for myself and for others. I’ve learned that it’s important to speak up about my needs and to encourage others to do the same, as this helps create a culture where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and asking for support. I also value creative problem-solving and persistence, since finding ways to work around obstacles often requires both.

In my relationships with colleagues, I strive to be inclusive and mindful of different perspectives. My own journey has shown me how valuable it is when people listen and make an effort to understand each other’s experiences. I believe that by fostering open dialogue and being proactive about accessibility, we can build stronger, more collaborative teams where everyone feels respected and able to contribute fully.

In what ways do you believe society can improve in terms of creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with disabilities?

Often, people don’t fully recognise the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities until they or someone close to them is personally affected. Raising awareness about these challenges is essential, and it’s important to approach accessibility as a standard part of our environment, rather than an exception. By adopting the mindset that inclusivity is the “new normal,” we can make significant progress.

It’s also important to remember that most people with disabilities were not born with them; many acquire disabilities through accidents, illness, or simply as a part of aging. Any one of us could find ourselves in this situation at any time, and adjusting to such changes can be difficult enough on its own. Knowing that we live in a society that genuinely cares and actively works to remove barriers would make a tremendous difference in people’s lives. Creating a more inclusive and accessible world benefits everyone, both now and in the future.

What specific initiatives or actions do you think organisations or communities can take to promote greater awareness and understanding of the experiences of people with disabilities?

One challenge is that many people may not personally know anyone with a disability, which can lead to a lack of awareness or understanding. Increasing the visibility of people with disabilities in workplaces and communities, rather than unintentionally isolating them, can help normalise inclusion and foster more meaningful interactions.

For example, organisations can make a conscious effort to recruit and hire individuals with disabilities. By doing so, they will likely discover that many perceived barriers are not as significant as they might have thought, and they will benefit from the valuable perspectives and talents that these individuals bring. Ultimately, embracing diversity and promoting open dialogue can help organisations and communities become more inclusive and understanding for everyone.

How can businesses and workplaces improve their practices to be more inclusive and supportive of employees and customers with disabilities?

One of the most effective ways for businesses to become more inclusive is to actively seek input from people with disabilities and truly listen to their needs and experiences. Their firsthand perspectives are invaluable in identifying barriers and finding practical solutions. Additionally, businesses could benefit from observing environments like modern public hospitals, where accessibility adaptations are thoughtfully integrated throughout the space.

Importantly, accessibility improvements should not be implemented only when a specific need arises - they should be considered a standard part of the environment from the beginning. When inclusivity is built into the workplace and customer experience, both employees and clients feel more comfortable and valued. This not only fosters a positive culture but can also enhance the company’s reputation and appeal, making it a more attractive choice for both customers and potential employees.

What steps do you think can be taken to ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are consistently included in policy-making processes?

Establishing Business Resource Groups, like the one at Invesco, is an excellent starting point. These groups provide a platform for employees with disabilities to share their experiences, raise concerns, and collaborate on initiatives. With strong support from management and the involvement of external partners, these groups can help identify challenges and propose meaningful solutions.

It’s also important to ensure that people with disabilities are actively involved in decision-making processes, not just consulted after policies are drafted. Regularly seeking their input and feedback helps create policies that are truly inclusive and effective. By making this a standard practice, organisations and policymakers can ensure that the needs and perspectives of people with disabilities are consistently represented and addressed.