Creating inclusive environments for employees with disabilities

This topic explored the unique challenges that individuals with disabilities face in professional settings and the importance of fostering an inclusive culture. This webinar was hosted by the London Regional Network on 4 December 2025.

In this webinar, we discussed key points such as understanding the diverse experiences of disability, the legal frameworks that promote workplace inclusion, and strategies for implementing inclusive hiring practices. We also touched upon the necessity of accessibility in both physical and digital environments, as well as the role of Employee Resource Groups in supporting employees with disabilities.

Listeners learnt actionable steps that organisations can take to create a supportive work environment and appreciate the benefits of inclusivity, not only for employees with disabilities but for the overall workplace culture and productivity.

The speakers have kindly allowed their presented material to be made available for viewing. The webinar recording on Vimeo is now available in our APM resources area and also embedded below for reference.

Speakers:

Nana Saeed Marfo (Mr_Unique_Voice) Disability Consultant, Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) Linkedin

Nana Saeed Marfo, known as Mr. Unique Voice, is a passionate disability advocate, speaker, and founder of Unique Abilities Ltd, a platform dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices—especially those of Black disabled individuals. Born with a rare condition that led to over 200 surgeries, Nana’s lived experience fuels his mission to challenge stereotypes and drive systemic change.

His advocacy journey began with personal battles against exclusion and discrimination, including fighting for reasonable adjustments in the workplace and confronting institutional bias. These experiences ignited his commitment to reform, leading him to become a powerful voice for disabled people across sectors.

Nana’s work spans multiple platforms—from LinkedIn, where his posts spark national conversations on welfare reform and SEND policy, to TikTok, where he engages younger audiences with bold, creative content. He’s also exploring podcasting and cartoon storytelling to educate and inspire, proving that advocacy can be both impactful and imaginative.

His story has been featured in The Independent, Metro, BBC London, and Tales to Inspire, where he shares his journey of overcoming exclusion and embracing his “unique ability.” Through campaigns like hashtag#UniqueVoices, Nana challenges the status quo, calling for reforms in disability benefits, education, and representation.

Whether speaking in schools, crafting proposals, or inspiring change through storytelling, Nana’s approach is empathetic, strategic, and unapologetically authentic. He doesn’t just advocate—he empowers.

Ollie Thorn, Advisor, Facilitator & Keynote speaker, Ollie Thorn Consultancy Linkedin

Ollie Thorn's life changed abruptly when he was involved in a serious accident. It resulted in the end of his career in the Army and he had to completely rebuild his life, learning to live with a disability.

After a long a gruelling rehabilitation, he has since competed in professional sport (downhill ski racing), and worked in leadership positions across people, culture and sales (with some crazy challenges thrown in along the way).

He now applies his experiences across leadership, accountability, change and culture in the business world.

Host:

Sheilina Somani, Keynote Speaker, Change Agent, DEIB Active Inclusion Ally Linkedin

Sheilina has over 35 years of international delivery across projects and cultures. An active ally for over 30 years and passionate project professional. She is known for her authenticity, inclusion and championing of marginalised communities. She guest lectures at a number of Academic institutions and is an Executive Coach and Mentor for Emerging/Established Project Professionals. She also conducts public and bespoke courses across the globe, and is an established Chartership Assessor and Awards Judge.

Sheilina is a Chartered Fellow with APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), Registered Project Professional (RPP), and Fellow of the Association for Project Management (FAPM). Additionally, she is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), past APM Trustee and a Master NLP Practitioner.