Breaking Barriers:
Enabling Disability Inclusion in the Workplace
Speakers background
We are Irina and Silvia, 42-year-old twin sisters from Bucharest who experienced blindness later in life. Our journey has led us to become advocates for disability inclusion, aiming to inspire empathy and provoke thought through our story. Our mission is to help organizations and communities understand the importance of inclusivity and to promote actionable change.
Introduction
Begin by greeting participants and introducing ourselves. We will share the workshop’s goal, which is to guide companies on how to be more inclusive and responsive to people with disabilities across various aspects such as employment, community support, and reducing stigma and discrimination.
Workshop Structure
Part 1: Listen and feel with Irina and Silvia
We will share our personal experiences and challenges, offering participants a new perspective on living with disabilities. Through storytelling and natural dialogue, we will seek to connect emotionally with the audience, encouraging them to reflect on their defining moments. This segment includes interactive activities designed to stimulate thought expression and sharing among participants.
Part 2: Understanding the Employment Landscape for People with Disabilities
This segment will focus on the reluctance to hire persons with disabilities in Romania, exploring the barriers they face in the workforce. We will discuss key findings from studies on this topic, including challenges like the perceived lack of qualifications and negative workplace attitudes. Participants will gain insight into how other companies have successfully integrated employees with disabilities, and the importance of workplace adaptations to support these employees.
Part 3: Exploring Models and Perspectives on Disability
We will discuss the various models of disability perception, including the Religious, Charity, Medical, and Social models. This part will highlight the evolution of the societal understanding of disability and stress the significance of the Social Model in promoting an inclusive society. We will examine how the environment, rather than the impairment itself, often creates barriers for people with disabilities, and why it is essential to change societal attitudes and structures to support full participation.
Part 4: Breaking Down Myths and Stereotypes
The final part of the workshop will address common myths and stereotypes about people with disabilities, providing factual information to debunk these misconceptions. We will examine both direct and indirect disability discrimination, highlighting the impact of these on individuals and the importance of equal opportunity. Participants will learn practical strategies for confronting stereotypes and promoting inclusion in their environments.
Conclusion and Reflection:
We will close the workshop by reflecting on the key lessons learned and encouraging participants to consider their role in facilitating inclusive communities. We will highlight the significance of continued learning, confronting discriminatory attitudes, and making conscious efforts to improve accessibility in physical and social environments.
Duration:
4 hours
Delivery:
On – Site;
Maximum number of participants::
16
Join us in this unique workshop to gain renewed perspectives, cultivate empathy, and boost transformation. Allow us to guide you through a memorable journey of awareness and inclusion.
Contact us for a customized workshop delivered in a tandem session.