Training

The Water We Swim In is a series of cultural context conversations which explore our perceptions about disability, where they come from and how they impact on us all as individuals, organisations and society generally.

Through two-way conversations we will address ableism, unconscious bias, and the longstanding aesthetic and attitudinal barriers faced by Deaf and Disabled people.

Together, we explore their impact on language, cultural visibility, and identity through disability-led facilitated discussion and discovery learning within a dynamic learning space.

Session 1: What is Disability? What is Ableism? (Delivered as pre-recorded material to be viewed in advance of the face to face session)

• Defining Disability and Ableism
• Models of Disability
• Disability Identity and Intersectionality

Session 2: (Brief) History of Disability Activism & Disability Rights

• Language, stereotypes and representations
• Major Disability History Events
• Segregation and Integration – historical and ongoing

Session 2: Creating Access & Universal Design

• Creating welcoming environments
• Disability Pride and Leadership
• Principles of Universal Design

In this 2 hour session, participants will:

• Discuss in depth Cultural safety, ableism, disability justice and the Social Model of Disability and how they relate to the arts and cultural sector
• Further their knowledge on creating cultural safety in programming, audiences, creative workers, leadership and arts practice for Deaf and Disabled creatives and audiences
• Engage in self reflection to examine motivations, cultural competency and the impact of their work
• Discuss ways to be effective allies and accomplices for Deaf and Disabled artists as a means of countering ableism in the workplace
• Explore the 10 essential steps to achieving Cultural Safety in your organisations

This session would be great to offer to Board Members and all Senior Management staff.

This is engaging and interactive 3 hour session is particularly useful to any Front of House or anyone working with a public focus.

We explore:

• Disability representation, stereotypes and language
• How to create welcoming environments
• Practical tips for welcoming all visitors

This is a 2 ½ hour session targeted at any staff involved in recruitment processes.

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding of inclusive recruitment and retention of Deaf and Disabled Board members, staff, contractors and creatives
• Discuss barriers in the recruitment and selection processes for Deaf and Disabled candidates
• Discuss retention strategies that ensure safety and equity for Deaf and Disabled staff, board members, contractors and artists
• Engage in self reflection to examine motivations, cultural competency and the impact of their work
• This session also includes the 10 essential steps to achieving Cultural Safety in your organisations

This is engaging and interactive 3 hour session is particularly useful teaching artists or arts practice educators. Caroline provides a rich session that will ensure artists are able to draw upon the wisdom and experinces they already posess, and reframes these skills with a focus on disability and making all art more accessible to students.  Particpants will discuss and learn:

• Cultural context around art and accessibility
• What makes artistic practice accessible?
• Making your artistic practice accessible