Growth factor
By Simon Zipperlin

My background is in scientific research and I have a Ph.D. in tropical plant physiology. Before getting a job on the IT team at Community Health Sheffield NHS Trust I was feeling pretty down about myself because, in my perception at the time, I felt my stammer was a major barrier that was stopping me from showing what I could offer outside of my specialist field. When interviewed for the NHS job I admitted that it was an issue but explained that I did not think it prevented me from communicating effectively. Being open about it made me more relaxed in the interview, which paid off because I was offered the job.

I made a life changing decision on a self-development course to not use my 'disability' as an excuse not to do things. I switched from avoiding answering the phone to pinching other peoples' phone calls just to get speech practice! I also took on new tasks outside the simple remit of my role to mould my job into one that tackled tasks that I was enthusiastic about.

I have found the NHS to be highly positive in handling disability in that if you are keen to express ability, disability need not stand in your way.

From the Winter 2002 edition of Speaking Out

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