Disability Pride Month: From the Heart with Laura Ladd

The second story regarding Disability Pride Month is from Laura Ladd, Legal and Company Secretarial Admin Assistant and lead of the Disability Workstream at Invesco. Based in the Henley office, Laura shares her personal journey, highlights the value of community, and reflects on what Disability Pride means to her.

“Disability Pride means embracing both the challenges and strengths that come with living with a disability. My experience with MS has shown me the power of adaptation, support, and resilience. By raising awareness and advocating for disability rights, we can create more inclusive workplaces where everyone is valued. True allyship starts with listening, open conversations, and supporting one another.”

Can you share a personal story or experience that illustrates the unique challenges and triumphs you've encountered as a person living with a disability?

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over 15 years ago, and at the time, I couldn’t have imagined how my life would shift. Every individual’s experience with disability is unique, but over time, tasks I once completed without thought - such as going up/downstairs, attending gym classes, public transport, cooking, cleaning, or enjoying days out - became genuine obstacles. My symptoms gradually evolved, including pins and needles, leg spasms, fatigue, mobility difficulties, balance issues, numbness and eventually, a dropped foot, which made walking increasingly challenging.

I’m also committed to demonstrating to my 13-year-old daughter that MS doesn’t define me. I make conscious efforts to overcome the barriers I face and show her that even in adversity, possibility and purpose remain. It’s often said that disabled people are excellent problem solvers - and I wholeheartedly agree, I now have a stair lift at home, use a walking stick for any events I feel needed and wear a Functional Electrical Stimulation machine daily to help with my dropped foot.

What support have you received, and how has it made a difference?

At that moment, 15 years ago, I recognised the need for additional support and applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - a UK government benefit designed to assist those over 16 with the extra costs associated with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or mental health challenges. The financial and practical support I received through PIP enabled crucial adaptations and allowed me to manage my condition. Recently, there have been proposed changes to the PIP benefit that may affect thousands of applicants, I’m waiting to see if this will affect me. If you have concerns or wish to discuss the potential impact, please feel free to reach out.

Ultimately, what do you hope can be achieved by raising awareness and advocating for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities?

Advocating for disability rights helps create a fairer workplace where everyone has equal access, respect, and opportunity - no matter of their abilities. It's about removing barriers and amplifying voices which builds an inclusive workplace.

What support or adjustments has Invesco provided to help you in your role?

After six months of joining Invesco, I was made permanent and thought it was the ideal time to share with my manager the challenges I was experiencing in the workplace due to my condition. I was met with understanding and genuine support, which I greatly appreciated.

One of the practical challenges I faced was parking onsite in Henley, as it was often difficult to find a space near the building I work in. I hold a disabled badge, and after discussing this with my manager, she encouraged me to speak with the Security team about parking arrangements. Following that conversation, I was allocated a disabled parking bay close to my office building. This adjustment has made a significant difference to my daily routine and overall comfort at work. I’m grateful for the support and responsiveness shown by both my manager and the Security team in facilitating this accommodation.

What are the top three initiatives people can take to be better allies to people with disabilities in general?

1. Foster an environment where colleagues feel confident speaking openly - this not only builds trust but also deepens collective understanding.

2. Actively listen and cultivate safe spaces for meaningful conversations, especially around lived experiences and workplace inclusion.

3. Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed - asking for help is a strength, and it encourages others to do the same. The Disability community is here for you.