Birmingham Disability Festival Guest Blog: Nadia Johnstone-Smith

Colmore Business District is a proud sponsor of Birmingham Disability Festival 2025, taking place at Aston University on Saturday 5 July 2025.

By supporting Birmingham Disability Festival, we are proud to play a part by contributing to the wellbeing and empowerment of people with disabilities, fostering joy and educational experiences.

We caught up with Nadia Johnstone-Smith, Financial Planner at Quilter Cheviot to learn more about real-life experience with disability and how organisations and individuals can support those affected.

Can you share your personal experience with disability and how it has shaped your daily life?

At the age of seven, I was first referred to the hospital for investigation following sudden onset tremors and changes in my walking. After many years of testing, I was diagnosed with a rare degenerative muscle wasting disease. As the only person living with a disability in my family or friendship group at the time, it was difficult to understand and accept what the future would look like for me. I believe living with a disability has provided me with resilience to get through anything life throws at me, whether that is difficulty walking, trouble accessing venues, or coping with chronic fatigue. Both my husband and I have learnt to adapt our daily routines to ensure I am able to make the most of the energy I have, whilst building our future.

What are some common misconceptions about disability that you would like to address?

That living with a disability reduces our capacity to make a meaningful difference to society, our workforce, and loved ones. Living with a disability can promote resilience, empathy, and determination which are all desirable skills both personally and in the workplace. 

That living with a disability is a tragedy or something to be pitied. As a disabled professional, I have had many conversations such as `I don’t know how you do it’, `I don’t think I would cope.’ or are considered an inspiration for merely getting out of bed. I am the first to acknowledge that most people when saying such statements are trying to empathise, provide support, and do not intend any harm, however; the thought that other people wouldn’t want to get out of bed if they were living with your disability transfers a sense of pity and the need to hide away. 

Finally, my most frequently asked question…`oh no, what happened to you?’. Most people assume that I must have had an accident to be using crutches for support. The idea of seeing a disabled young professional networking and mingling the room is not commonplace, therefore we unconsciously assume that an injury is a more likely. I believe this goes back to lack of representation and historically events and workplaces not being accessible and welcoming to those living with a disability. Seeing young professionals thrive whilst also having a disability is essential, and if I am still such a rarity, it begs the question as to what work still needs to be done. 

How has disability influenced your career or educational journey?

Growing up, I had dreams of being a midwife or a mental health nurse. As my condition progressed, I decided to adjust my goals to allow for a job where I could still help people, but that would utilise my mind without relying on physical strength. To become a financial planner, you can train remotely and at your own pace which allowed the flexibility I needed. Following the pandemic, holding meetings remotely has become more popular which allows a reduction in travel and removes venue accessibility concerns. At Quilter Cheviot, we value face to face advice which does mean I have to consider the access of client’s homes and meeting venues ahead of time. Thankfully I find client’s and connections are willing to support with any reasonable adaptions required. 

What kind of support systems (family, friends, community, workplace) have been most helpful to you?

I am very fortunate to have a supportive husband, family, and friends who keep me positive and make the most of our time together. Recently, I have also joined a community of women across the UK who are also living with my condition. We are able to share tips, life moments and even have a good moan every now and again. To have a community who are living with the same uncertain future, gives a further sense that we are facing things together and never alone. Through my corporate career, I have often felt the need to say yes to everything and prove that I am capable. Having a great support system have shown that I am enough, my work speaks for itself, and I don’t have to fit into a certain mould to be successful. 

Can you discuss any specific challenges you face in accessing public spaces or services?

I have always struggled with public transport particularly before I used crutches, as whilst standing still or seated there were no visible signs of my disability. This meant bus drivers wouldn’t lower the step, people in a rush would push past in rush hour, and long airport queues would induce pain before the holiday had even started. I have found prebooking support for train travel has improved over the last few years and reduces some of the anxiety about travelling alone. As a proud Brummie, I am often out and about within the City Centre and have often struggled with many of the listed buildings as they are unable to have lifts added, or entrances made more accessible. Most managers are apologetic for the lack of accessibility; however an apology does not make up for the feeling of exclusion and embarrassment that can often follow from being unable to enter an event.

How do you think society’s perception of disabilities has changed over the years?

I do believe there is a greater visibility of those living with disability through media advancements which has helped address lack of information and misconceptions, however in my opinion there is still a long way to go. I am a great believer in if we can see it, we can be it. According to Raconteur, people with disabilities constitute more than one-sixth (17.8%) of the population. By contrast, the census data shows that only 6.3% of CEOs deem themselves disabled in some way. I believe perception and lack of accessibility means many potential leaders living with a disability are not given the opportunities and access to get a seat at the table. 

Although I believe the perception of disability is evolving, I feel further work is still needed to address prejudice, improve social inclusion, and improve opportunities for everyone to play an active and fulfilling role in society. 

A campaign by Scope called End the Awkward found that `two thirds of Brits say they feel awkward around disabled people. Some people feel so awkward they avoid disabled people all together.’ This shows that there is still a massive education gap and lack of understanding. If we can improve visibility of those living and thriving with a disability in all areas of our lives, whilst working on disability education from a young age, we can start to address stigma and biases before they become a core belief.

How diverse are British CEOs? Raconteur finds the answers

End the Awkward | Disability charity Scope UK

What advice would you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed with a disability?

It is completely natural to go through a period of grief for the life you thought you might have. Acceptance is not an end goal but a process, and its okay to have both good and bad days. Your diagnosis is a transition to a new chapter which will bring a wealth of opportunities and a community you never knew you needed. One day at a time.