Why Training Is So Important?

With so much focus placed upon the physical access to buildings and services since the implementation of Part III of the DDA in October 2004, it is important not to neglect the equally important areas of organisational culture, staff attitude and awareness. 

 

Since 1996, it has been unlawful to treat disabled people less favourably for a reason relating to their disability. 

 

Since 1999 service providers have been required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people such as providing additional help or changing the way that a service is provided. 

 

Ensuring that your staff have the knowledge and understanding to be able to provide a high level of service for disabled people is fundamental to meeting these legislative requirements. 

 

In addition to this service providers cannot afford to ignore the estimated £40-50billion spending power that the disability market holds.  The culture of an organisation or the attitude of staff is repeatedly listed as one of the biggest barriers preventing disabled people from participating.

 

What Can MLS Disability and Inclusion Provide?

MLS has strong relationships with a range of training providers who provide high quality training for all levels of staff.  MLS Disability and Inclusion also has the ability to respond to bespoke requests for training on an ongoing basis. 

 

Option 1 -                              Disability Awareness Training – This is a one day training course (starting at 09:15), and is appropriate for all members of staff.  The course covers all areas of disability awareness, including:

·        Know the difference between the “social” and “medical” models of disability.

·        Know how to apply the social model to their areas of work.

·        Appreciate how their personal perceptions of disabled people can either help or hinder the service they provide becoming more inclusive.

·        Know the current thinking around the use of terminology.

·        Understand the factors / barriers that may make fitness services difficult to access for disabled people.

·        Be aware of a range of solutions to these potential barriers, improving service delivery.

·        Understand the importance of effective communication techniques in providing equitable services.

·        Have a basic knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and how it can impact on them.

·        Know how to apply the principles of a basic risk assessment process.

·        Have completed personal/job speciality action plans to support the effective implementation and delivery of inclusive fitness services.

 

The course caters for between 12 and 24 delegates.

Price on request

 

Option 2 -            NVQ Level 3 Advanced Fitness Instructor,

                        Adapted Physical Activity

Delivered by YMCA FIT this four day course provides gym instructors with comprehensive guidance on developing and delivering a safe, effective, high quality workout for disabled users.  Modules covered include:

·        Underpinning theories of adapting physical activity.

·        Typical effects of exercise for people with certain impairments, common characteristics, programming ideas and contra indications.

·        Training to develop and implement specific protocols for exercise management.

·        Rigorous explanation of pre-exercise assessment requirements.

·        Planning and evaluation of exercise sessions.

·        Practical teaching workshops to illustrate phases of the exercise process.

·        Training on specific pieces of equipment.

·        Analysis of the psychological processes that effect exercise behaviour for disabled users.

 

The minimum prerequisite for delegates in gym instructor level two or equivalent.

 

This course caters for between 8 and 16 delegates.

            Price on request

Option 3 -                              Reaching Disabled Customers

This is a one-day course, (lasting approximately 6 hours) designed to help staff target disabled people more effectively through all levels of marketing communications.  As well as supporting facility management to develop inclusive marketing strategies this course enables staff throughout the building to develop an understanding of the disability market and how disabled people can be most effectively targeted.  Topics covered include:

·        Developing an inclusive marketing plan

·        The commercial viability of the disability market

·        Monitoring usage by disabled people

·        Producing accessible information

 

This course caters for between 12 and 24 delegates.

            £500.00

 

Option 4 -                              Disability Discrimination Act 1995

This is a one day course designed for managers giving detailed information about commitments under all sections of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  The course includes information relating to the new duties due to come into force in December 2006 and how this will impact upon leisure providers.  
            £500.00
 

Option 5 -                              Development of Bespoke Training Packages

MLS Disability and Inclusion can offer bespoke packages to meet your training needs.  With our network of consultants and partner agencies, we can provide the necessary expertise to deliver training in most areas of disability and inclusion.  Please contact a member of our team for further information.