9 Responses

1. Disability Awareness Training
   In the equal opportunities for customers courses I currently run,I deliver disability training as both a “stand alone” and as one that has significant transferable links and benefits to the other equality and diversity issues
   One approach you might like to try is getting your people to equality proof a planned event,eg an interview,meeting,training session or conference from the perspective of varying disabilities and including people who have either personal assistants or assistance dogs.Issues such as attitudes,assumptions,communication arrangements,systems and procedures as well as specific tailored facilities will help your delegates to understand the WIDEST POSSIBLE MEANING of the term access. And if you want to take the issue forward,equality proof the event AFTER it has occured.

   Good luck!

   William

   [email protected]

2. Access audits and social inclusion awareneness
   Look at http://www.socialinclusion2000.co.uk. This website ahs masses of info re looking at what the real issues are and takes it from a what we think to what we really need to know and understand perspective. The people there are really in touch with what the real issues are and will offre training and I think, ideas for training that offer some brilliant ideas of how to let everyone become aware of what the reality of disabilty issues are. Could I just ask that you let them know where you got the link from please as I’m currently doing some work inclusion with a related organisation.
   Good luck
   Jane Smith (DENS of Equality)

3. Listening to disabled people themselves
   From my experience its always helpful to have materials/videos etc with examples of disabled people speaking for themselves. Perhaps look at the website for the Greater London Action on Disability. GLAD have done a research report in partnership with the Mayor for London (Working With Disabled People for inclusive access; this is available as a download from http://www.london.gov.uk).

   I don’t know if it had crossed your mind to have people use wheelchairs etc. but please do not persue this route. It may be entertaining for half an hour but it does undermine the actual day to day experience of living with a disability. Its very much frowned upon by significant numbers of disabled people.

4. Thanks
   I would just like to thank the people who have taken the trouble to reply to my question. There are many wonderful suggestions, and I will put these to good use when the Training begins. Currently awaiting confirmation of start date in New Year.

   May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very prosperous and fulfilling new year.

5. Disability Awareness Materials
   Kathleen

   I am aware that Wright Training Solutions in Birmingham have a pack of Disability Awareness Training Materials that they loan out, such as like BBC and Fenman do – at a fee and couriered to you.

   I deal with Michelle Price there; she is on 0121 687 4044 – she may be able to advise you on what they have as she provided a lot of materials for us to use when we did training last year.

   Hope it goes well…
   Kate.

6. video
   The diability rights commission do a good 15 min video call TALK which is free phone 08457622633

7. Thanks
   Kate,

   Many thanks for your offer, I am still awaiting a start date for the training delivery and will get back to you when I have these details.

8. Use drama to creat impact and drive retention
   Hi Kathleen,

   We have used actors to illustrate relevant scenarios and have found this can add to the enjoyment and because it’s different, tends to get remembered more readily by delegates. e-learning is another option for bringing the issues to life. I’d be happy to put you in touch with Diversity and Disability experts who use these techniques. Good luck

9. Very useful information – Thanks
   Many thanks for the really good links I have been looking at sourcing some approporiate video materials for a little while now and the suggestions made have been really helpful.