Colt knows that accessibility matters. Accessibility for Colt means that regardless of disability or long-term health conditions, all of its employees can contribute, thrive and have a fair chance to develop and progress.

Colt's Disability Accessibility Network (DAN) aims to raise awareness of visible and invisible disabilities and health conditions, embrace people’s differences and champions inclusion across the company.

Meet Colt's Susanne Hogan, Offnet Order Manager, Service Delivery, based in London, United Kingdom.

Susanne shares how her personal experiences, determination and ambition were crucial to her work co-founding Colt's DAN.

Embarking on new adventures

"Six years ago, I embarked upon a new and exciting sport. Many people thought I had lost my mind completely, which made me doubt the sensibility of my decision, but skiing has since become the most exciting part of my calendar," says Susanne.

"So why is this such a big deal? Well, I was born with hip dislocation and club foot, medically known as Hip Dysplasia and Talipes, and endured multiple operations as a child. Then later, I developed chronic arthritis and had to have hip replacements so hurtling down a mountain didn’t seen the obvious choice for me!,"

Determination in achieving goals

Susanne has a history of finding a way forward when faced with issues.

"My parents were told when I was three that I wouldn’t walk until I was 14. They decided this wasn’t an option, and found their own solution to encourage me. A pile of smarties was placed at the end of the coffee table; I made sure I got to them. My parents saw the determination, adventurous spirit, resiliency and splash of laughter that was going to carry me through life, to achieve goals many said would never happen," explains Susanne.

"After six years of skiing practice, I reached Gold standard and now I’m planning on trying the more autonomous version of Dual-Ski next year. Personally, I see my ‘disability’ in a less overwhelming way than others and as more of a superpower. I’m able to see the world in a different way and make it suit me, making it accessible and enabling me to do whatever anyone else can," she comments.

Never underestimating the power of difference

Susanne firmly believes that there are no limits to what can be achieved. She continues to carry her determination, adventurous spirit, and resilience with her via her career with Colt.

"This is why I worked with a group of colleagues to found Colt's first Disability Accessibility Network, known as DAN. I want people to know that we should never underestimate the power of difference. There are no limits to what you can achieve, only those limits you create, or others create for you," says Susanne.

"I don’t ski like everyone else…I go much faster," she concludes.

Inspired to join an employer that knows accessibility matters?

Colt is committed to raising awareness of accessibility and providing its employees with a space to share their experiences.

Search job vacancies with Colt.

Find out more