This session will challenge your thinking, give perspective and help overcome the barriers that face disabled employees and customers. Below is a brief overview of what the session will cover.
This is the view of disability as a ‘problem’ that belongs to the disabled individual. It is not seen as an issue to concern anyone other than the individual affected. For example, if a wheelchair-using employee is unable to get into a building because of some steps, the medical model would suggest that this is because of the wheelchair, rather than the steps.
In contrast, the social model of disability would see the steps as the disabling barrier. This model draws on the idea that it is the society that disables people, through designing everything to meet the needs of most people who are not disabled. There is recognition within the social model that there is a great deal society can do to reduce, and ultimately remove, some of these disabling barriers, and that this task is the responsibility of society, rather than the disabled person. By incorporating this model into your organisation it will give you the ability to support disabled staff in a more inclusive and supportive manner, ultimately taking down the barriers that your disabled employees and customers face.
I asked Diversify if they could support the development of a new team I am setting up within the NHS (mental health services) I was keen to support the development of a culture in the team which embraces and values diversity and difference and discussed these needs with Sara who tailored some training specifically for us. We agreed to two workshops on LGBT and Disability and both sessions were adapted specifically to our needs, with Sara ensuring she knew what we needed and it matched the needs of the team. All the team (around 15 in total) enjoyed both sessions, stating they got a lot out of the workshops. They all engaged well and it is clear they have taken a lot of learning on board from the sessions. I would love to work with Diversify again, very professional, friendly and adaptive.
Unit G1 The Crofts,
Quarry Hill,
Rotherham
S60 2DN
