Introduction
Inclusive practice means working in a way that is accessible, and helps people feel welcome and supported.
These resources were developed by Inclusion Australia to provide advice on how to be more inclusive of people with an intellectual disability. It consists of a range of helpful resources, co-designed with a network of people with an intellectual disability across Australia. They can be read individually or as a whole to help you think about and improve your own inclusive practice.
Inclusion Advisors with an intellectual disability from across Australia shared their experiences and ideas to help people who work in government and other organisations be more accessible and inclusive.
Together they have created a range of helpful, easy to use resources. These include:
- Guides
- Factsheets
- Tip sheets
- Videos
Inclusion can mean different things to different people. Everyone is different; there is no single checklist which applies to all people. Inclusion is about making sure people have what they need to participate as equals.
Topics
Under each topic you will find useful guides, factsheets, tips and videos. They are not comprehensive, but provide an introduction to inclusive practice in different types of engagement.
- Introduction to inclusive practice
- Power and trust
- Accessible information
- Inclusive meetings
- Inclusive consultations
- Inclusive systems and processes
- Diversity and inclusion
3 Guides to Get Started
1. Thinking about inclusive practice – a guide for managers and policy makers
This guide covers:
- About intellectual disability in Australia
- Rights and frameworks for inclusion
- What is inclusive practice?
- Barriers to inclusive practice and solutions
2. Communications to co-design: valuing different types of engagement
This resource covers:
- Different forms of engagement
- Power and the ladder of participation
- Avoiding tokenistic participation
- Choosing the right way to engage
3. Inclusion: Take the time, make the time
This resource covers:
- The importance of time
- Good practice when thinking about time
- Time tips from our Inclusion Advisors
- Reflective practice activities: thinking about time
Watch 4 Videos
What does power mean to you?
In this film, people talk about what power means to them and their experiences of inclusion.
When do you feel powerless?
In this film, people talk about experiences of feeling powerless and what it means for inclusion.
When do you feel powerful?
In this film, people talk about how being included makes them feel powerful and respected
What will you do to be more inclusive?
In this film, people with an intellectual disability challenge you to think about power and inclusion in your own practice.
About Author
Towards Inclusive Practice is a national project by Inclusion Australia. It was funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS).
The project aim is to give advice to government departments and other organisations about working in a way that is more inclusive of people with an intellectual disability.
The Inclusion Advisor Network was one of the most important parts of Towards Inclusive Practice.4 people with an intellectual disability were employed by member organisations in each state and territory to share their experiences and give advice on inclusive practice. They chose the name Inclusion Advisors to describe their role. For many people this was their first properly paid job.