10 Top Tips to make sure that we make meetings easy for everyone to
take part People with a learning disability told us that the following things
help them to fully take part in a meeting.
- Make sure that the venue is accessible.
- Consider the best room layout for your group. Rows of chairs
do not help people to communicate. Cabaret style and circles/horseshoe
shapes are better.
- Agree the best time to meet. Transport is often an
issue, so don’t
assume everyone can meet for a 9am start.
- Make sure that the Agenda and Minutes are written in ‘Easy
Read’ – ask people what ‘easy read’ means to
them.
eg http://www.hubhrv.cswebsites.org/default.aspx?page=16199
- Use pictures and visual aides in meetings where possible
- Offer the use of ‘Traffic lights’. These are individual
coloured cards, held together in a pack, which may be held up by
members during the meeting.
Red = Stop
Yellow = Slow Down
Green = OK
A question mark = question!
- Easy Read information: Arial and font size 16 suit many. Use
straightforward simple words and no jargon!
- Add relevant pictures alongside simple text. Change Picture Bank
and Photo Symbols are popular.
- Keep meetings short and focussed. Have regular breaks.
- Give people a chance to meet with their supporter before and after
the meeting to discuss any issues raised.
Useful Links
The Bild Quality Network ‘Involving People Properly Project’ has
more information on involving people in meetings.
Contact:
Valerie Wilkinson V.Wilkinson@bild.org.uk 01562 723022 to ask for
a copy.
Or download from Bild.
Also East Midlands Voices has nine important rules that will help people
with learning disabilities play an equal part in Partnership Board Meetings.
http://www.eastmidlandsvoices.net/default.aspx?page=13929 |
