Inclusive Research: Empowering Change in the Disability Community
At the heart of every resilient community lies a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. SkillWise, in Ōtautahi Christchurch, exemplifies this ethos through its dedication to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and intellectual impairments.
Recognising the need for a comprehensive evaluation tool that captures the intricacies of wellbeing within this diverse community, SkillWise partnered with Huber Social and Melde to develop an adaptive wellbeing measurement tool. Crucially, this tool was not just created for, but together with, individuals with learning disabilities and intellectual impairments, their families, and the SkillWise team.
Enabling Impact Evaluation
The introduction of Huber Social's wellbeing measurement tool marks a significant milestone, validating a new tool for holistic subjective measurement in the disability sector,
“Through ongoing measurement initiatives, SkillWise and its community will be able to gain invaluable insights into what matters most to the people we work with living a meaningful and fulfilling life of their choosing” says Victoria Ross, CEO of SkillWise.
This data-driven approach empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions, tailor services to better meet the unique needs of each individual, and ultimately enhance the quality of life across the community.
A Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusivity
Amidst the quest for meaningful data lies a fundamental need to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Huber Social recognises that traditional data collection methods may inadvertently exclude individuals with disabilities, perpetuating a cycle of marginalisation.
According to recent research investigating the participation of people with a disability in large sample social research:
“People with disabilities may be present in our community, but too few are actually part of it ... They struggle to be noticed, they struggle to be seen, they struggle to have their voices heard[1].”
In response, to this Huber Social have spearheaded efforts to co-create more accessible data collection and reporting tools.
“By actively involving individuals with disabilities in the design process, this ensures that surveys and evaluation mechanisms are truly reflective of diverse perspectives and needs,” says Michelle Macaskill, Interim CEO of Huber Social.
Through collaborative co-design processes, Huber Social has implemented a range of strategies to maximise the accessibility of surveys for individuals living with disabilities. These initiatives encompass diverse formats, alternative communication methods, and user-friendly interfaces, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and have their voices heard.
Empowering Voices, Driving Change
In a society where the voices of individuals with disabilities are often marginalised, initiatives like Huber Social's wellbeing measurement tool represent a beacon of hope. By amplifying these voices and centring their experiences in decision-making processes, we move closer to a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is valued, included, and empowered to lead a life of dignity and fulfilment.
As SkillWise continues its journey of transformation, fuelled by insights gleaned from the wellbeing measurement tool, the ripple effects of this initiative are poised to extend far beyond its immediate community. Together, we have the power to catalyse positive change, foster greater understanding, and build a more inclusive society for all.
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