We ran a Communication Disability Capacity Building workshop last month for local and state government department staff who are:
- involved in developing or implementing a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP), and
- interested in learning how to better consider the needs of people with communication disability in a DAIP.
Participants became involved from the start and actively listened to and discussed what practical strategies can be implemented to improve the way people with communication disability access public spaces, services, events and facilities.
We explored questions such as:
- What is a communication disability?
- Who may have a communication disability?
- Is communication disability linked to intellectual disability?
- What about people who lose their ability to talk later in life?
- What access and inclusion supports should be considered within a DAIP for people with a communication disability?
- Who else may benefit when we improve communication access?
When asked at the close of the workshop, “What was most useful?” – participants responded:
“Bringing to mind the variety of consumers that access our services.”
“[It made me think of] possible communication solutions to specific needs and cohorts.”
“Understanding the breadth of considerations while trying to make the organisation accessible to people with communication disability.”
“Hearing Joey’s experiences in-person was really helpful. Lots of the time we are told ‘this is what people with disability want’ but it’s impersonal and lacks context.”
“Having Joey share his experiences…, as well as group discussions, tools, and knowledge shared.”
“Seeing the different tools that can be implemented…information and lived experience shared and impact of environment, attitudes and policies.”
“Hearing about the lower cost options to improve accessibility was great too, coming from a tiny agency with limited resources.”
“…the awareness of the methods of communicating. I didn’t realise there are so many options… the [workshop] content is incredibly useful.”
“…seeing the range of communication options is eye-opening.”
“It was one of the most practical workshops that I have attended."
“The workshop was incredibly informative, thank you.”
Thank you to all who attended. Keep an eye out on our DDWA events web page and in newsletters for our future workshops.
* this project has been funded by an Innovation Grant from the Department of Communities, Office of Disability.