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Meetings

A lot of an organisation's work happens through meetings. For example team meetings, project meetings, or committee meetings. 

By planning meetings to be inclusive, people with intellectual disabilities can take part in all types of meetings. 

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Self-advocates told us:

  • Meetings are places where they often feel excluded. 

  • Communication and information about meetings is difficult to understand

  • During meetings, people speak too quickly and do not use accessible language

  • People are not given enough time to share their ideas

  • People are not given the information in advance to prepare for the meeting

  • Follow up actions are not always clear

Types of meetings: 

Diverse group sitting in a meeting holding papers.

Everyday meetings

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Training

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Online Meetings

Diverse group in a meeting with a speaker and audience

Focus groups

Diverse group holding a meeting in a circle

Conferences

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Good
examples 

The European Platform for Self Advocates (EPSA) is a regional self-advocacy organisation supported by Inclusion Europe. 

Every two years The European Platform for Self Advocates (EPSA) runs a conference for self-advocates in Europe called Hear Our Voices. 

 

The conference program is always designed with self-advocates, who suggest the topics and speakers.

All information shared is in an accessible format.

Speakers are given clear guidelines on how to present in an accessible way.

Participants are encouraged to use traffic light cards and stop the sessions or ask questions if speakers are not being clear.

There are regular breaks and opportunities to meet and talk.

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Hear Our Voices workshop leaders are always persons with a disability. Workshop sessions have a clear format and encourage ice breakers and activities so that participants understand what to expect and have a chance to share their ideas and experiences.

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Hear Our Voices is for self-advocates by self-advocates, on topics that are important to them in line with the Inclusion Europe strategy.

Large group at a meeting holding signs that spell Hear Our Voice

The Listen Include Respect Guidelines were created with financial support from:

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©2022 by Inclusion International & Down Syndrome International

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