Goals

• Build confidence in engaging people with disabilities as volunteers
• Assess their organisation from a disability inclusion perspective and identify steps to improve access and inclusion
• Work with fellow volunteer managers on developing basic skills to ensure their volunteer organisation is inclusive for volunteers with disability
• Build a network of like-minded practitioners
• Learn how to reduce barriers for people with disability in their volunteer-involving organisations
• Take part in a workshop that will introduce them to the newly launched disability inclusion micro-credentials
• Access a free opportunity for professional development and improving skills

Program & Attendance 

The training event included the following sessions:

• Introduction to Disability Inclusion Micro credentials: Developed and facilitated by Coonara Community House, the first part of the training provided an overview and introduction of the four modules that make up the Disability Inclusion in Volunteering Micro-credentials.  Attendees were able to register to complete the micro-credentials online following the training event.
• Inclusive Volunteer Management Training: Developed and facilitated by Volunteering Victoria’s Sector Development team, the afternoon sessions focused on a series of interactive workshops where attendees utilised their learnings to practice completing a Volunteering Lifecycle Wheel assessment and a draft Disability Action Plan.
• ‘Ask An Expert’ panel: The training included a panel discussion comprised of people with lived experience of disability and representatives from disability peak bodies. Attendees had the opportunity to submit questions about how to make their organisation inclusive of people with specific disabilities.  Panellists included:
  • Julyne Ainsley, Duke Street Community House; Victoria Alive Project Advisory Group; Voice at the Table
  • Mark Glascodine, Victoria ALIVE Project Advisory Group
  • Marnie Higgs, Victoria Alive Project team, Volunteering Victoria
  • Amy Lasslett, Voice at the Table
  • Sienna Posso, Stroke Association of Victoria
  • Elizabeth Stenhouse, Multiple Sclerosis Employment Service
  • Ali Street, Victoria ALIVE Project Advisory Group

Almost 60 people attended the forum from a broad range of organisational backgrounds including Arts & Culture, Sports & Recreation, Community Health & Support services, Local Government and Neighbourhood Houses.  The audience included several community members with lived experience of disability and carers.