Facilitator: Fran Odette

There are many kinds of disabilities. They can be visible, hidden, permanent, temporary, intermittent, etc. Disabilities can also be acquired by illness, injury, and the result of aging-related conditions. By learning how to create and adapt a welcoming environment with equal access for persons with all types of disabilities, you are ensuring service for everyone.

Over the years, we have also seen an increase in numbers of service users accessing shelter services, many of whom are people with visible and invisible disabilities. It is estimated that over 15.4% of Ontarians aged 15 and over report having a disability, this includes people with undiagnosed mental health disabilities or addictions.

The goal of this workshop is to support agency staff to identify and respond to unconscious biases that result in disablement; the disabling impact of physical, environmental, and attitudinal barriers faced by people with disabilities within agency settings. The purpose of this training is 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. By the end of the training, staff will have a broader understanding and the ability to ensure that one’s organization 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.

Note:

• You must be prompt for the course – any time missed will result in certificates not being issued.
• This training is interactive, all attendees are required to participate.
• Upon successful completion, a certificate of attendance will be issued.

Target Group: All

Additional Training Method: Agency Training

Total Cost: THTC Members Pay: $70.00 | Non-Members Pay: $80.00