Tag Archive for: Inclusive practice

A guest blog by Aideen Blackborough with image by Eddy Phillips

A collaboration with IVAR: Inclusive Practices Training development

Just Ideas has recently been approached by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research with an exciting opportunity to develop some training on inclusive practices with a particular focus on working with disabled people. The organisation take a lead on cross sector partnership working, with a focus on tackling health inequalities and are always keen to ensure that people with lived experience are involved at all stages of their work.

Lived experience at the forefront

With this in mind, we reached out to three of our associates who have lived experience of disability and invited them to design an informative and interactive disability training session for IVAR.  Aideen Blackborough has had Cerebral Palsy since birth and uses an electric wheelchair.  Ali Carroll has knowledge, experience and a passion for working with those who have learning disabilities.  Eddy Phillips has personal lived experience of neurodiversity and has been involved in research about participatory practices. Our Director – Helen Garforth – will also use her passion for access and inclusion to support the training. Eddy is really excited about the opportunity, saying:

‘I’m really excited to be part of this project. It’s so important that the voices of disabled people are central in research, enabling those perspectives to be considered in both the content of the research and how it is communicated.

It’s important that power dynamics (between disabled and nondisabled people, and people with other intersections of experience and identity) are acknowledged and acted upon throughout the research process. This may include – but should not be limited to – recognising disabled people’s input through a participation fee or other mutually agreed form of recognition, and having a meaningful voice in shaping research at every stage.

It’s great to be able to work with IVAR on this.”

Eddy Phillips, Just Ideas’ associate

With such a wealth of experience to share, the training is promised to be lively and engaging! The team met to discuss the structure of the training session and worked to include as many of IVAR’s priorities as possible. The session will begin by exploring what is meant by the term “disability” and giving delegates some background by exploring the Medical and Social Models of Disability.

Storytelling: Highlighting the barriers

We’ll then move on with some story telling to highlight some of the barriers that disabled people face in their every day lives. Ali has plans to create a video with some of the people that she works with, as the team is really keen to ensure that we bring in as many voices as possible. Delegates will be encouraged to consider positive language for disability and the importance of allowing disabled people to lead these conversations. The team also plan to address the issues arising from involving carers and involving them as a resource, whilst not bypassing disabled people.

The training promises to be dramatic as the team bring Forum Theatre into the mix! IVAR have provided the team with some scenarios they would like to explore to help their team develop confidence when interacting with disabled people. The plan is for a couple of the scenarios to be acted out, with the audience able to guide and advise each of the characters towards a positive outcome. A brilliant opportunity to put learning into action with a fun and engaging activity!

Find out more

To find out more – or to discuss how Just Ideas’ approach can support your organisational approach to  accessibility and inclusion – please contact us.