This session is part of our Allyship Hub programme; we will explore allyship practices from the lens of disability.
The session will begin by looking at some of the barriers faced by disabled people accessing employment and or public services. It will then look at the important role allies can adopt in partnership with disabled people to challenge normative practices replacing them with inclusive provision, where different experiences are valued and embraced.
What you can expect:
We will start the session with an introduction from our guest contributor, Sheila Hands, who will provide us an opening perspective. Then participants will be put into smaller groups to allow for deeper reflection and conversation.
Prior to this event, to help inform our conversations, we encourage you to have a look at some optional, suggested reading on this topic:
Sheila Hands
- Role:
- HR Adviser – Equality and Diversity at NHS Tayside
Sheila Hands works for NHS Tayside as an HR Adviser (Equality and Diversity). She also chairs her Board’s staff Disability Equality Network comprised of disabled staff and disability allies. Not being a fan of the word “no” and despite the statistic of only 10% of totally blind people being in employment, five degrees later, and at the age of 49, she finally secured permanent employment with NHS Tayside. Throughout this journey, the words “you don’t have enough experience” were words repeated often. Despite not being able to convince numerous recruitment panels of her ability, she was twice elected as an Angus Local Councillor with 12,500 members of the public placing their trust in her abilities. Her different life experiences enabled her to advocate for diverse groups when decisions/changes were being enacted. As a fortunate participant in a Disabled Graduates Careers Programme that resulted in the permanent role with NHS Tayside, Sheila is a strong advocate for promoting joint allyship with underrepresented groups in order to bring about meaningful change in order to bring about meaningful change.
About Diversity Coffee Connect
The Leading to Change Diversity Coffee Connect programme aims to provide a safe learning space to connect with others across the sectors and have important, informal conversations about equality, diversity and inclusion. The sessions are open to leaders at all levels and stages across social care, social work and health in Scotland.
