Disability Inclusion: Foundations

Content

• Understanding the Social Model of Disability and the principles of Universal Design
• Exploring attitudes and unconscious bias – how your assumptions influence interaction and decision-making, and how to challenge them constructively
• Practical guidance on inclusive language and communication – building respect, clarity and trust in interactions with people with disability
• Approaches to collaborating and working with the disability community

Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the social model of disability and explain how universal design contributes to accessibility and inclusion
• Identify and reflect on personal and organisational unconscious biases that may affect inclusion
• Use inclusive and respectful language and communication strategies when engaging with people living with disability
• Demonstrate greater confidence and awareness when collaborating or working with disability communities

Who Should Attend

• Individuals and teams across public sector, non‑government, community or private organisations who want to build capability in disability inclusion.
• Staff working in client‑facing, service design, community engagement, human resources, or program delivery roles.
• Leaders, managers or supervisors who wish to foster inclusive culture, accessibility, and equitable service for customers and colleagues.
• Anyone interested in improving their understanding of disability inclusion — whether starting from no previous experience or looking to refresh awareness and practice.

Benefits to You and Your Organisation

• Build confidence in your ability to engage respectfully and effectively with people with disability in both workplace and community contexts
• Develop your understanding of inclusive language, behaviours and decision-making
• Grain practical skills to challenge assumptions, minimise exclusion and contribute to a more equitable workplace culture
• Strengthen your personal leadership around diversity, equity and inclusion principles
• Improve service accessibility and engagement for people living with disability
• Build a culture of respect, awareness and inclusion that aligns with public sector values and legislative obligations
• Strengthen team capability to apply universal design and inclusive practices across policy, service delivery and communication
• Reduce unintentional barriers and foster safer, more inclusive environments for staff and the community

This course is also available online.