Beyond Limits:
Alwyn's Journey in Employment and Advocacy

Alwyn is an investment product specialist at UBS Wealth Management, where his daily course of work involves advising ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients on hedge fund and private market solutions to meet their investment objectives. Beyond work, Alwyn is a C5/C6 quadriplegic, embracing life as a wheelchair user while actively advocating for disability and inclusion.

Alwyn has been working in the financial industry for a solid five years. Reflecting on his journey post-graduation, Alwyn describes his experience as a bountiful one. Privileged to have supportive mentors who recognise his strengths and teammates who make the daily grind bearable, he has had ample opportunities to express himself and realise his potential.

His employers have also demonstrated commitment to inclusivity by providing accommodations tailored to his needs. Recognising the challenges of commuting in a wheelchair, Alwyn’s manager affords him the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements to lighten the burden of travelling. In addition, UBS has also been able to provide infrastructural support (facial recognition gantries, automated doors and adjustable desks), allowing Alwyn to go about his daily work independently and barrier-free.

However, Alwyn’s post-graduation journey has not always been smooth sailing. During his job search as a fresh graduate in 2018, he felt compelled to omit elaborate information about his disability on his resume in order to stand a chance against competing applicants. Despite numerous promising applications and interviews for suitable roles, he sensed noticeable disinterest and doubts from potential employers when he showed up for in-person interviews in a wheelchair. This led him to contemplate on societal readiness for inclusive employment back then.

Looking to the future, Alwyn is not only committed to excelling in his professional career, he also aspires to make a meaningful impact in the cause for disability awareness and inclusive employment. He firmly believes that disability and inclusion are crucial for societal progress. Alwyn views individuals with disabilities as integral parts of society, and are able to add value via their unique skill sets, resilience and problem-solving abilities derived from navigating the daily challenges of living with disabilities.

Alwyn’s participation in this campaign stems from his belief in the Social Model of Disability, which holds that an individual is ‘disabled’ because of the physical and attitudinal barriers in society, not by their impairments or differences.

By sharing his story, Alwyn aims to dispel stereotypes and showcase the potential within the disabled talent pool. He hopes to inspire others in similar circumstances, demonstrating that individuals with disabilities are not only relegated to getting by but rather, able to go above and beyond to thrive, contributing valuable perspectives and skills to the workforce. In advocating for inclusivity, Alwyn invites society to redefine success and encourage employers to fully embrace diversity. His journey signifies not only personal triumph but a call to action for a more inclusive future, where everyone, regardless of ability, are offered equal opportunity to contribute to the workforce and society at large.