Collaborative practices and learning disabilities

[Amanda Fenton]

From the email list March 2013...

Hi all,

Does anyone on the list have any experience of running events based around collaborative workshopping/AoH methodologies for/with people with learning disabilities?

I am currently planning for two events, both of which will almost definitely have some participants who are learning disabled. One is a two day 'unconfence/hackathon' using Open Space, the other a collaborative AGM for a charity that I am a trustee for, where we're creating the future vision for the organisation (and I haven't worked out the flow yet :)

I have come across a few general tips and useful pointers about making sure people are being fully respected and included but I wondered if anyone had specific AoH-ish experience.

Best wishes from freezing Brighton.

max

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Hi

We have done a great deal of work using AoH with people with (intellectual) disabilities. 

I'm not sure there's anything "special" that needs to be done, apart from allowing a little more time for people to feed back. We have found World Cafe particularly amenable/accessible to ensuring all voices are heard. 

For a reference site you might like to go to www.annecto.org.au as they(/we) have developed the strategic intent and plan in a fully participatory manner using AoH with the full range of stakeholders, including people receiving support. 

I hope that's helpful. 

Stephen