Chloë Hammond

I hope that by talking and sharing my story, I can help people set meaningful and achievable goals. For me, it was to be a nurse. But I know nursing isn’t for everyone and is a challenging career for anyone. I’m not suggesting that I am a nurse, so everyone with a disability should be / could be. Instead, I want people to know support is available and dreams can come true. It’s so important to have direction and something to aim for. I would encourage everyone to share their ideas and ambitions and ensure the people you surround yourself with believe in you and will help you make it happen. It’s a juggling act. I, too, am fiercely independent, but I am now much more aware of when I should speak up and ask for assistance or a reasonable adjustment. It’s hard to accept help, but we all need support sometimes. And that’s okay. That’s human.

Visibility and Representation: As a wheelchair-using nurse with an assistance dog, my presence challenges stereotypes and promotes visibility for disabled professionals. Ocho’s role as a working assistance dog demonstrates the capabilities and contributions of assistance animals. Empowerment and Education: I actively engage with disabled adults and children, encouraging them to consider health and social care careers and/or set meaningful and achievable goals for the future. I hope my achievements motivate others to overcome challenges and pursue their goals. Breaking Barriers: My advocacy emphasises the value of disabled employees in the workplace. My working partnership with Ocho showcases the potential of assistance dogs in supporting disabled individuals. Overall, Ocho and I aim to inspire empowerment, break down barriers, and foster a more inclusive and empowered community.

Empowering Others: My goal is to encourage disabled individuals to embrace their unique abilities and explore careers in health and social care. Breaking Barriers: I promote the value of disabled employees in the workplace, emphasizing their perspectives and contributions. Visibility and Representation: As a wheelchair-using nurse with an assistance dog, I challenge stereotypes and strive to increase visibility for disabled professionals. Education: I connect with disabled adults and children, motivating them to pursue their dreams despite challenges. Additionally, I collaborate with SENCO tutors and the job centre to ensure support in meaningful and achievable goal setting.

I am an ambassador for Parallel Windsor. This is the UK’s national celebration of disability inclusion and well-being. It’s an award-winning event held in the grounds of the majestic Windsor Great Park, staged on the iconic Long Walk. The festival features a range of challenging events for people of all ages, health conditions, and abilities. It’s a wonderful celebration of no-limits living! I also enjoy attending the Wheelpower sports festivals, which are aimed at keeping participants with physical disabilities active and healthy. I would like to be a professional disabled model. I am currently a model and ambassador for WellCoolClothing and have previously modelled for This Morning, Even Break, and BundleBean. The most fun I have is with my Assistance dog Ocho. Although he is a superb working dog, he is also brilliant company and always makes me laugh. I love doing talks and demonstrations teaching people how much he helps me. I love him. Without him, I couldn’t be me.

OCHO! My assistance dog.

Dogs 100%

The great British weather…? An essential change is needed in how we perceive disabilities to reduce negative attitudes and stereotypes. These harmful biases persist in society, affecting how disabled people are treated. To promote inclusivity, we must challenge misconceptions, promote understanding, and create opportunities for disabled individuals in various aspects of life, including the workplace, public life, and media representation.

Nurses with disabilities face several barriers that impact their lives and career prospects. One of the main ‘career routes’ following a disability in the NHS is medical retirement. Some of the key challenges include: Attitudinal Barriers: Negative assumptions about their capabilities, misconceptions, and stigmatisation persist. Challenging these attitudes is crucial but hard. Discrimination: Disabled nurses encounter discrimination in hiring, promotions, and assignments. Overcoming this bias is essential for their professional growth but cannot be achieved as an individual battling the system. This kind of change needs the backing of the wider community. Lack of Support and Resources: Insufficient reasonable adjustments, inadequate resources, and limited support hinder their career advancement. Addressing these issues through awareness, policy changes, and fostering an inclusive environment can empower disabled nurses and enhance their career prospects making it a healthy happier work environment.