The Accessibility Network at Inspire North
The Accessibility Network at Inspire North
‘A Network for Understanding and Compassion’
What is the Accessibility network?
The Accessibility Network formally called the Accessible Information Forum is a safe space for any employee of Inspire North who identifies as having a disability or claims the label of disabled. This can range from physical difficulties to Neurodiversity and individuals don’t need to have any form of diagnosis.
What does the network do?
The Network meets once per month and discusses items that relate to accessibility within Inspire North. Members provide a listening ear and share appropriate support and guidance to overcome barriers that they may face, as well as providing feed back to the relevant teams within Inspire North around what would support accessibility for all.
We also aim to raise awareness and understanding of the adversities disabled employees may face and challenge ablest views within the organisation.
Why is it important to have this network?
The Network creates a safe space where the individual members can explore their thoughts and feelings relating to being disabled in the workplace. We share appropriate advice and guidance and support problem solving if the individual feels this is necessary.
We also aim to raise awareness to the wider organisation about the impact some disabilities may have on their work staff and colleagues – we aim to promote understanding and compassion.
It is important to have a space where disabled employees can actively support one another as it can feel isolating at times and this creates a supportive community, it is equally important to be able to have a channel to speak up and make changes within Inspire North so that members voices are heard and most importantly are being listened to.
What is next for the network?
We have an extremely exciting year planned – On Tues 4th April 2023 we will welcome all Inspire North Employee’s to our very first Accessibility Network Open Day!
This will be held at Oakwood Training Centre, Leeds. Between 10am and 1pm we will welcome our network members and all disabled employees of Inspire North– We will have a special guest speaker that will talk about disability wellbeing, followed by a Reiki Healing Master that will lead a self-care deep relaxation session. There will also be time to socialise and get to know each other.
From 1pm onwards we will welcome everyone for a Light Lunch and to learn more about the Network’s goals for the next year, hear lived experience stories from the network and reflect on our achievements over the past year.
For more information on this event please contact Hannah.Cochrane@commlinks.co.uk