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Working
The old 9 to 5
It's music to his ear
Born deaf in one ear, recording artist Mala owns two record labels, mixes music in front of crowds of thousands worldwide and is one of the founders of one of this decade’s biggest underground scenes. Not bad for a guy whose sound engineering teacher once told him he would never be able to live life in stereo
When work feels close to life
The reactionary media’s line on sex offenders is “lock ‘em up and throw away the key”, but for Maria*, a probation officer working in that field, it’s more about unlocking and opening up minds
Karen has the bow-wow factor
Karen Standen was told by her bank manager that her idea for a hydrotherapy pool for dogs would never work. Four years on, her business is growing with hundreds of pooch owners splashing out
Fast track to Whitehall
Arabella Scott is a graduate who recently undertook an internship as part of the Fast Stream Summer Placement Scheme, managed by the Cabinet Office and Scope. She talks about experiencing life inside the Civil Service
Happy snapper
Graham Bool has been taking photos since he was a boy. He explains how a childhood fascination has become a career that’s taken him round the world
Travelling man
Amar Latif is an entrepreneur who founded Traveleyes, a company that specialises in holidays for visually impaired and sighted travellers. He talks about changing career, and allowing blind people to see the world
From fags to fitness
When James O’Driscoll lost his sight at the age of 26, he thought his life was over. But then he fought to become the first blind person to achieve a Level 2 Fitness Instructor Award, and now he says he feels that anything is possible
Happy feet
Because of the drug Thalidomide, Sue Kent says, she has only seven fingers and arms just eight inches long. Tired of being desk-bound, she looked to her feet to provide a working alternative
Plymouth Sounds
Andy Ballantyne is now a recognisable voice over the airwaves in Plymouth and the south west, on the recently rebranded Heart Radio. He talks to Paul Carter about his route into radio
Chris's Olympic comeback
Chris Lomas had a successful career in the computer industry before a brain haemorrhage led to his being unable to work for over eight years. Now back in employment, he’s involved in a London Olympics construction project
Building a career
Architect David Bonnett didn’t worry about accessible design until he became disabled himself. Now he’s a leading expert on the subject
Nursing times
When chronic pain and the results of a nasty spinal infection made mobility increasingly difficult for Bethann Siviter, she thought her nursing career was lost forever. But nearly a year to the day later, she returned to work as a nurse consultant
The golden bowl
Entrepreneur Natalie Ellis survived the Dragons’ Den and now, she says, the only way is up
That's Snowbusiness
Talent agency boss Peter Burroughs has dedicated much of his working life to boosting the careers of other short actors
Supporting people
Librarian Rebecca Marshall’s professional skills have been recognised by her peers. But she couldn’t have done it without the support of her employers
My track record
Spinning records as a mobile DJ has helped Dave Wood cope with his depression and win back his self-esteem
Kim gets physical
Kim Dean was told she was too small to be a physiotherapist. But, she says, that only made her more determined
A coach ticket
Danny West, principal consultant and coach of RYL Training and Coaching Consultancy, describes how dealing with the challenges of being diagnosed with HIV led to a career in life coaching
An Action-packed career
Albert Thomson is opening up surprising new job opportunities for disabled people as managing director of Action Amps
Researching her future
Rebekah Craig has faced discriminatory attitudes in her battle to become a psychologist
Driving Google’s search for access
Google’s TV Raman talks us though a career spent looking for access alternatives
Exporting Scouse nous
A group of people with learning difficulties from Merseyside has tackled negative stereotypes by volunteering in Kenya. Elizabeth Choppin reports
Sound advice on working in the media
Libby Cross, an independent radio producer who built up a successful career at the BBC, says ideas are her most valuable commodity
Investing in your own future pays dividends
David Clarke (below), a senior partner at Clydesdale Bank, says patience, tolerance and determination are vital ingredients for a good career.
Growing into the job
A new scheme should help disabled people compete for horticulture jobs, says Sunil Peck.
Anything to declare...only my paranoia
Journalist Richard Shrub examines the thorny issues surrounding coming out about mental health conditions when you’re in the job market