Objectives of the Just Ask Workshop
At the end of the workshop you will:
Be aware of the realities of persons with various types of
disabilities (visual, hearing, physical, psychiatric (mental
illness), intellectual, learning disabilities, etc.) It is important
to be aware that some people have more than one disability - this is
considered intersectionality, especially if other factors exist such
as race, poverty, etc.;
Appreciate the need to respect persons of different races, cultures,
religions, language, etc. and ensure you receive the same respect;
Learn the importance of asking rather than assuming what is helpful
to someone else, especially people with disabilities:
Be informed of the specific needs of persons with disabilities who
receive services from you or colleagues with whom you work who have
disabilities;
Be more knowledgeable of mobility devices and other aides, including
working animals;
Have developed the skills to respond to the particular needs of
persons with disabilities;
Understand the importance of providing top quality customer service
to your clients, especially those who have disabilities
Appreciated what may lead to a human rights complaint and how to
avoid it;
Have full knowledge of all municipal codes, etc;
Develop an understanding of being part of the CO-OP team as well as
how to handle your finances and run and effective business.
All EMPOWWORD Inc learning workshops are hands-on; use plain
language; provide plenty of opportunities to practice and experience
different learning tools; use a variety of teaching modes; and
incorporate fun (as we believe fun increases one's capacity to
learn). A comprehensive Participant's Manual will be provided for
every trainee. It will prove an invaluable resource once the
participants are back in the "real world' and dealing with
disability and human issues.
Please note that this information is not meant to be a diagnostic
tool on disabilities or diversity matters. The Manual provides
specific information on how to provide effective client service for
customers with a variety of disabilities while pointing out how to
treat each other well. This training, the manual and any suggestions
are a starting point from which to develop the understanding and
skills to better serve all your customers.
It is important to remember that persons with a disability are like
any other customer and deserve the same kind of respect, dignity and
service. While they may need special arrangements to accommodate
their disability, the key is to think of the individual person
first. The fact that they have a disability is incidental.
EMPOWWORD's APPROACH
1. We will endeavour to make this a safe learning environment
for all participants.
2. We will listen and observe to ensure we are reflecting your
learning goals.
3. We will use real-life examples and our own experience to help you
learn how to ensure an inclusive environment
4. We will observe the Confidentiality Rule. No one
will reveal private information given by anyone outside of the
workshop.
5.We will encourage and welcome the expression of all views.
Each person has a right to have their opinion heard and responded
to, respectfully.
6.We will urge you to speak up for your interests as each day
proceeds. Our workshops are your learning
opportunity, so please don't wait until the end to write your
concerns in the evaluation.
8.We will do our best to avoid jargon.
9.We and you will have some fun.
Assumptions to Just Ask
One's abilities and disabilities have a powerful impact on people
and organizations throughout society.
People with disabilities as well as people of various races,
cultures, religions, etc. experience individual as well as systemic
discrimination, barriers and exclusion from larger society.
Services that are sensitive to diversity, accessibility and
inclusion as well as an environment that welcomes diversity tend to
lead to a respectful, positive living and working environment for
everyone. This type of learning workshop can improve the service
delivery to ALL customers as well as the job satisfaction.