Instructor: Fran Odette
Why Disability Inclusion & Awareness is Important:
There are many kinds of disabilities. They can be visible, hidden, permanent, temporary, intermittent, etc. Disabilities can also be acquired by illness, injury, or aging-related conditions. By learning how to create and adapt a welcoming environment with equal access for persons with disabilities, you are ensuring service for everyone.
Over the years, we have also seen an increase in the number of service users accessing shelter services, many of whom are people with visible and invisible disabilities. In 2022, Statistics Canada released a report stating that over 28% of Ontarians aged 15 and over report having a disability; this includes people with undiagnosed mental health disabilities or addictions.
Building from the earlier content of the THTC “More Than Just Ramps” workshop, the goal(s) of Challenging Ableism is designed to support agency staff in identifying and responding to unconscious biases that result in the disabling impact of physical, environmental, and attitudinal barriers faced by people with disabilities within shelter/agency settings. The training aims to provide all agency staff, including frontline, management, senior leaders, and volunteers (including board members), with the foundation for incorporating an intersectional anti-oppression approach to working with people with disabilities and practical applications of the AODA Standards. Upon completion of the workshop, staff will have a broader understanding of their organization and the ability to ensure that it is welcoming and inclusive for service users and employees with disabilities.
Upon completing the training, participants will learn:
- What unconscious bias and microaggressions are and how to be more self-aware of individual biases
- The difference between visible and invisible disabilities
- How to identify barriers and provide low-cost options to barrier removal and increase access to services for everyone.
- How to provide greater access and inclusion for a range of different experiences of disability.
- What inclusive language is, how to use it and what terms to avoid using.
Certificate Distributed by: Toronto Hostels Training Centre
Notes:
- Participating in the course using only a smart phone will greatly reduce your learning experience. We strongly encourage that you attend this training from a quiet learning space.
- This is an interactive workshop and you are required to have your camera on for at least 70% of the training session to receive your certificate.
- If you require accommodation, please reach out to julian@thtcentre.com at least 48 business hours in advance of the training session.
Target Group: All
Additional Training Method: Agency Training
Total Cost: THTC Members Pay: $100.00 | Non-Members Pay: $110.00