Richard Shakespeare Disability Consultant Information

Is this your problem?

Heightened awareness of disability and its effects, as well as more and more legislation surrounding equal opportunities and discrimination, not to mention and health and safety, has led to uncertainty for many people who have to deal or accommodate those who are less able-bodied. So who better to enlighten employers, event organisers, clubs and organisations - and even the disabled themselves - than one who has first-hand experience of living with a physical problem?

The right tools …

Richard Shakespeare is based in Derby but works with public and private organisations and groups nationwide. Still only 27, Richard emerged from Derby University with a BA in Business Management. Rather than seeing his disability as a handicap, Richard regards it as the driver for his obvious success. He now uses the key combination of experience as a disabled man and his keen business acumen to advise and inspire those who come into contact with disabled people in Derby and beyond to help the less able-bodied fulfil their potential and enjoy social inclusion, whether at work or at play.

So what does Richard do?

It might be easier to ask what he doesn't do. Broadly, he aims to support those individuals and organisations with an active interest in promoting better opportunities for less able-bodied people with information, practical advice and a 'can-do' attitude.

At work …

Drawing on over a decade of experience working with employers and disabled employees, Richard Shakespeare offers

• Disability access audits including management procedures and premises surveys covering entrances and exits, signage, office layout, toilets, lifts, staircases and parking

• HR policy reviews

• Advice for employers on avoiding litigation

• Advice on employing disabled staff, ensuring that the best talent is recruited - and retained - with an appropriate and nurturing level of support.

At play …

• Event planning for maximum disabled access and enjoyment, including catering, transport and venue selection to make a good event great - for everyone.

In training …

Richard Shakespeare believes that disability awareness is more than just a compliance issue. Some of the most highly developed and marketable skills in Derby are offered by the disabled and Richard's advice aims to enable employers to harness and retain those skills while offering appropriate levels of nurture and support.

In summary ...

In the words of disabled Olympic gold medal skater Scott Hamilton: 'The only disability in life is a bad attitude.' But perhaps Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova puts it best: '... if you can do just one thing well, you're needed by someone.'

And Derby's Richard Shakespeare certainly does his thing well. Very well indeed.