Equality and Diversity (2 days)

An interactive course that enables delegates to explore the social, Attitudinal and physical Barriers that disabled people face when attempting to access services. The training will consider Disability as an Equality Issue, raising awareness of how poor design; inaccessible information and people's attitudes are often more disabling than people's physical impairment.

Course Objectives /Aims:

• To rise awareness and understanding of some of the key issues and implications around disability, both within the workplace, and in the context of service provision.
• To enable delegates to gain a better understanding of the preferences, views and expectations of Disabled people.
• To enable delegates to gain greater confidence, understanding, and clarity when communicating or liasing with people with different impairments in the organisation and in the arrangement of accessible and inclusive meetings or events.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Raise their awareness, and clarify the scope and implications of the DDA 1995 act (in particular part III) with regard to individual and organisational working practices.
• Challenge the myths and stereotypes around disability, thereby facilitating a clearer understanding of the social and business etiquette necessary for effective communication and engagement.
• Develop greater confidence in providing an accessible and inclusive service for Disabled people.
  

Session 1

• Aims and Objectives
• Introduction

Session 2

• Icebreaker - What is Disability?
• What constitutes Disability?
• The Social Model of Disability?

Session 3

• Images of Disability- Exploring the portrayal of Disabled People in Literature and other Media.
• Dispelling the myths

Session 4

• Overview of DDA Act - Scope and Implications for employees, and service users
• Case Studies

Session 5

• Effective and appropriate Communication with people with different impairments
• Customer Service/Care - Providing a more accessible and inclusive environment for internal and external customers.

Session 6

• Group Exercise - Inclusive Organisation of Meetings and Events
• Group Feedback

Session 7

• Course Evaluation and Feedback

Interactive, activity based, and involves group discussion.

We aim to incorporate different learning styles in a non-confrontational atmosphere. Training sessions will raise awareness and encourage participants to adopt an open-minded approach whilst positively challenging perceptions and assumptions. The sessions are fun and provide a firm foundation for sharing good practice.

• Quiz to be used as an ice-breaker
• Case Studies
• Role-play
• Use of video/video Clips

Delegates will:

• Better recognise the social, attitudinal, and physical barriers that Disabled People face when attempting to access services.
• Have a greater understanding of the DDA Act and its requirements for employers and employees
• Will be encouraged to adopt best practice approach when working with Disabled People
  

All Staff irrespective of position/role in organisation

A willingness to participate and if required, to adopt an attitudinal change in respect of the issues discussed, both in and out of the Workplace.