July 5 Disabled Persons Forum Posted by Posted by Linda Skates on 11 July 2017 Posted on: 11 July 2017

MidCentral Transformation – Disabled Persons Forums

Record of discussions and decisions, forums held on July 5, 2017

Number of participants: 15 disabled people

As agreed at the previous forum, both community forums followed a process where disabled people and families were together for a brief presentation from members of the Regional Leadership Group facilitators and members from the co-design group and then separated into disabled persons and family groups.  Topics at the first session included:

-       progress regarding the high-level co-design paper to Cabinet

-       EGL Waikato Leadership Group paper on key elements of a Regional Leadership Group

-       general expectations of a Regional Leadership Group (RLG) and

-       personal views of the Enabling Good Lives' approach   

After the initial session, the groups divided to discuss an approach to forming the Regional Leadership Group and how they wanted people to be selected. 

A decision was made by the disabled people present to hold separate forums in the future with the intention of occasional events where disabled people and families may have a combined gathering.

How Enabling Good Lives' principles will guide us in setting up the RLG

Contributions from participants - main themes included:

• Support the principles as a foundation for change
• We need to reflect the diversity of disabled people
• Bravery is important – we need to take this opportunity to be direct and lead the change process
• Self-determination is key
• Need people who are prepared to stand up and lead the way (vision is important)
• This is an amazing opportunity to change things in a good way
• This must happen
• We are energised and ready for this
• Ready to respond constructively to the potential conflicts that may emerge
• Leadership by local disabled people, connected to local issues and networks, is critical

 Our thoughts re EGL Waikato paper on a Regional Leadership Group

Key points from participants:

• We would like more disabled people on the Regional Leadership Group (RLG) than currently in the Waikato (4 disabled people) – suggest 6 disabled people on the MidCentral RLG
• Agree with the points raised by the people in the Waikato*
• Support the importance of relationship building and creating a safe environment
• Want to ensure there is a space for someone associated with “People First”      

How we want to select disabled people for the Regional Leadership Group 

Key points from participants:

• Need to be clear about what is required – main tasks, time and energy commitment
• Representatives need credibility and accountability to the wider group of disabled people
• Need to create the space for leaders
• Local leaders need to take authority – this is our place

It might be challenging but we can select our leaders

• Good to engage with a wider group of local disabled people
• Representatives need to be connected and open to local individuals/networks. We have different experiences and ideas, we all need to be able to contribute
• This is a first step – we can adapt as we go
• Ongoing forums for a wider group of disabled people is essential

Agreed next steps

1. A “Job Description” for this role to be posted on the EGL website by 14^th July 2017
2. Disabled people to organise another meeting and discuss further between now and the 1^st August
3. Expressions of interest sought
4. People who are interested are prepared to present to disabled people at the next forum on the 1^st August
5. Looking for a core group of up to 10 disabled people – with 6 disabled people on the Regional Leadership Group - selected at the 1^st August forum

Next Disabled Persons Forum    

3pm – 5pm on the 1^st August at the EASIE Living Centre, 585 Main Street, Palmerston North

Main task: Selection of “core group” (Regional Leadership Group members)

*Thoughts from Enabling Good Lives Waikato Regional Leadership Group regarding setting up a Regional Leadership Group

Learning from EGL Waikato suggest the following is important:

• Invest time, early in the process, for relationship building.  It is good if people can share food (informal) and get to know each other. Building trust is important and can take time

Members of the Regional Leadership Group need to:

• Know and support the vision and principles of EGL
• Have good local connections and credibility
• Be prepared to organise and facilitate regular community forums (staying connected, informed and safe)

1. Have safe (closed) meetings. Brave conversations need to occur during meetings.
2. Hold meetings in a neutral space
3. Be OK with different views being expressed
4. External facilitation – from someone who understands EGL, has group facilitation skills and makes sure everyone has their voice heard
5. There is value in “pre-meetings” (especially at the beginning).  This is a good place to get context and test thinking.
6. There needs to be clear and accurate communication
7. Provide clarity around resourcing/reimbursements
8. Always link everything back to the EGL principles
9. Good to have officials at the table.