Joanna MatthewsEVC
Disability Empowerment Champions
Why take part in the EVC initiative?
our region our voice – let’s use it
20%* disabled people in region
Regional Disability Network
Gathering evidenceRaising awarenessCampaigning
RDN project =
Support existing groups
Set up new groups
Set up networks
Link with local government
Link with other regional bodies
Social model of Disability
• Impairment = injury, illness, or congenital condition
• Disability – loss or limitation of opportunities – No equality – social and environmental barriers
Barriers create the main problems•environment •attitudes - stereotyping, discrimination prejudice•inflexible procedures and practices
Our EVC scheme
Purpose - enable 15 disabled people to become Empowerment Champions
InfluenceLobbyCampaign
Activities
Bid November 09
Contract early December
• Raising awareness of DEC concept and opportunity
• Delivery of learning programme
• Liaison with NI4 leads and others
Achievements• self-development course• delivery to 42 Disabled people • organisational learning about marketing • Increased organisational knowledge - fully
accessible provision• greater understanding of NI4 targets and
CDP’s potential contribution• increased contact with some local
authorities to build on
Challenges
• Time factor
• Connecting with NI4 leads
• Geography
Learning • Longer time period to deliver planned
outputs
• Successful joint delivery with LAs - relationships to be in place
• Some beneficiaries require more one-to-one input prior to training events
Recommendations for EVC
• It takes time
• Fit with local authority priorities
• Lighter touch monitoring and evaluation
What went well• 28 participants main programme
• Additional programme 14 adults with learning difficulties
• Organisational learning – Marketing– Contacts– Accessible training methods– Meeting very diverse needs
Joanna Matthews
Project Manager
Regional Disability Network Project at CDP