Every year, from 3 November to 3 December, Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) is commemorated. As part of this important occasion, Momentum Group recently hosted its annual Disability Awareness event, Embracing Differences to reaffirm their commitment to inclusion, understanding, and support for employees with disabilities.

The event highlighted the inspiring stories of three remarkable individuals: Lungani Mthethwa, Momentum Health Group’s Disability Liaison Officer; Laura Wagner-Meyer, a passionate speaker and advocate for disability rights; and Wouter de Vos, a dedicated long-term Momentum employee who is visually and physically disabled. Their journeys showcase resilience, courage, and the power of creating inclusive spaces.

Lungani Mthethwa: Rising Beyond Expectations
Born with cerebral palsy, Lungani was once told by a teacher that he would never progress beyond Grade 9. Today, he holds a master’s degree in Sociology and is pursuing a PhD in Gender Studies. His journey is a testament to determination, the power of education, and unwavering family support.

Lungani shared how crucial communication with managers and colleagues is in overcoming workplace challenges. He now uses his position as Disability Liaison Officer to ensure that others with disabilities receive the understanding and resources they need to succeed. “Momentum has given me a platform not just to perform my job but to help others see what’s possible,” he said.

My role in this corporate environment is to make sure we are aware of the needs of employees and are able to offer them reasonable accommodation to do their work well. This might be a bigger screen, different lighting, zoom text license or a quieter workspace. The challenge is that we have many employees who have not declared their disability or indicated how we can help. As you must be aware, not all disabilities are visible, but we want to be able to receive requests and help in any way we can, to create a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

Laura Wagner-Meyer: Redefining Visibility and Strength
Laura, who lives with a congenital neural tube defect, is fearless in the way she navigates life and the workplace. Laura was invited to be the keynote speaker at the disability event. “You can’t choose the body you have, but you can choose how you feel about it,” she remarked, as she encouraged attendees to engage in conversations that foster understanding and inclusion.

For Laura, visibility is key to breaking down barriers. As a disability advocate, she is driven by her mother’s belief that she was destined to lead the way for others with disabilities. “Showing up allows others to show up,” she explained. Laura emphasised the role of fashion and self-expression in embracing her individuality and inspiring confidence.

Her advocacy also highlighted the ongoing need for empathy and education to address prejudice and misconceptions. “We need to expose children early to differences in abilities, so they grow up with an inclusive mindset. Questions and engaging curiosity should be encouraged,” she said. Her motto, “Never give up,” serves as a call to action for individuals and organizations alike.

Wouter de Vos: A Quiet Determination to Succeed
With 19 years at Momentum Group, Wouter’s story is one of quiet strength and determination. Born with cerebral palsy, partial deafness, and with only 15% eyesight, his disabilities are not immediately visible. Despite these challenges, Wouter completed a three-year diploma in just one year and has thrived in Momentum’s IT department.

For Wouter, success is grounded in hard work and a positive mindset. “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow,” he said. He credits his supportive colleagues and managers for creating a workplace environment where he feels valued and empowered. His manager, Amanda, describes him as “reliable and passionate about helping people.”

Momentum’s inclusive culture has been instrumental in Wouter’s success, allowing him to focus on his strengths and passions. “People’s support makes all the difference. Just give me a big screen and I’m good to go,” he said.

Momentum Group: Building a Culture of Inclusion
Momentum Group’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond policies—it’s about connecting on a human level. By seeing employees as unique individuals, providing tailored support, and encouraging open conversations, the company is creating an environment built to reflect excellence, courage, empowered ownership, collaboration and authentic connections.

The stories of Lungani, Laura, and Wouter remind us that disability is not a limitation; it’s a different way of experiencing the world. The awareness and understanding must continue past the designated month. Through empathy, education, and visibility, organisations like Momentum Group are leading the way in transforming workplaces into spaces of opportunity for all.

As Laura said, “It starts with you. You get to make the decision to lead with empathy and love.”

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