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