The Community Engagement Lunchtime Learning Session in June's theme was ‘Engaging people with a disability', an opportunity for staff to learn some tips and tricks on engaging people with a disability and things to consider when you're engaging to ensure it’s successful.
Things to consider included:
Pre Planning
- Who are the people you are engaging with?
- Add an Inclusion statement.
- What is the best way to communicate? What tools may you need to communicate with them?
- Are the tools you are using accessible? Easy English, available in alternative formats e.g.: online, screen reader compatible?
- Can you provide people support to capture their responses?
- Remember to use Councils style guide.How will people get there, or can you go to them?
- Give people enough notice to attend so they can plan
- People have a right not to disclose personal information.
- Watch YouMeUs Achieving Inclusion: Jeff's Story
Plan
- Have very clear information and messaging – be precise, don’t use jargon and acronyms.
- Information in alternate format - printed material in Easy English, large print, screen reader compatibility, magnifying screens, room set up, lighting
- Think about the environment - is the built environment accessible, is it in a quiet area with minimal distractions, will the room have enough space for people to get around in.
- How will people get there and at what cost?
- Think about parking and public transport options.
- How long will the activity go for – think about break times and quiet spaces.
Engage
- Get there early and set up ensuring everything is working.
- Give people time to think and respond.
- Is there a way people can contact you afterwards to provide feedback?
- If you are unsure ASK the person.
- Always direct questions (in a regular speaking voice) to people with disability rather than their supports.
- Be mindful of people's equipment, don’t touch without asking.
Follow Up
Let people know how feedback provided will be used and how it will benefit them.
- Ask people with disability for their feedback about the session, use this to adjust if there is another session planned.
- Think about ways to improve for the next time – keep learning and changing.
- Close the loop.
Need any help, support or advice, chat to Mala Doyle or Chris Stewart in the Access and Inclusion team.