Who Should Attend This Workshop?

The half-day (3 hour) course should be attended by all front line employees dealing with customers, including reception staff, housing and property services staff, and those in supported and sheltered schemes.

The more comprehensive full-day (5.5 hour) course examines legislation and policy and is more suited to team leaders, middle and senior managers, and board members.

The Aims of the Workshop

Attending and participating in this course will enable delegates to communicate confidently without discrimination, regardless of another’s disability, by exploring the concept of people being disabled by society's barriers and attitudes, highlighting the role of the organisation in the removal of those barriers and in the changing of attitudes. Improving the quality of communication with colleagues and customers is key to the provision of an inclusive working environment and responsive services, these issues are paramount for housing organisations as they strive for ongoing improvements in performance and service provision.

Key Themes

Legislation - brief history of disability discrimination and the legislation that has been introduced to combat it
What is disability equality?
What are the requirements under the new Duty?
Models of disability and the value of the social model
Types of impairment and practical issues associated
The importance of identifying and overcoming barriers that disable - organisational, environmental and attitudinal
Practical ideas and tips based on real situations

Outcomes

Understand the value of the social model of disability
Examine how to remove disabling barriers
Develop an understanding of the range of impairments covered by legislation
Be confident in communicating with disabled people
Be aware of how a person with an impairment may wish to be treated
Promote active involvement of disabled colleagues and customers
Make practical changes to ensure that you develop a more inclusive way of working, in line with current legislation