The Disability Champion plays a key role in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities within the organisation and wider community. Their responsibilities encompass advocacy, support, and overview of best practices to ensure that people with disabilities are valued and treated equitably.

The key roles and responsibilities of the Disability Champion include:

Advocacy and Awareness

  • Raising Awareness: help to educate colleagues, stakeholders, and the broader community about disability issues, including the barriers faced by people with disabilities and the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
  • Promoting Inclusivity: Advocate for an inclusive culture where the rights and contributions of individuals with disabilities are recognised and respected.

Policy Development and Implementation

  • Influencing Policy: Work with other members and officers to develop, implement, and review policies and practices that promote disability inclusion and accessibility.
  • Compliance: Ensure that the Council complies with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, which protects individuals from discrimination.

Accessibility Improvements

  • Assessing Needs: Identify any accessibility issues that may need attention.
  • Implementing Changes: Advocate for and help implement necessary changes to facilities, services, and technologies to make them accessible to everyone.

Training and Education

  • Delivering Training: Receive training to deliver sessions to educate employees and members about disability awareness, inclusive practices, and the use of assistive technologies.
  • Ongoing Education: Ensure continuous learning and development opportunities related to disability inclusion are available and encouraged within the Council.

Monitoring and Reporting

  • Tracking Progress: Assist with monitoring the effectiveness of disability inclusion initiatives and policies, gathering data and feedback to measure progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Reporting: Provide an annual report to the Council on the status of disability inclusion efforts, highlighting successes and areas needing attention.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Building Partnerships: Engage with external organisations, disability groups, and stakeholders to share best practices, collaborate on initiatives, and stay informed about emerging issues and solutions.
  • Feedback Mechanism: Establish channels for receiving feedback from individuals with disabilities and other stakeholders to continuously improve accessibility and inclusion efforts.

Championing Diversity

  • Role Model: Act as a role model for inclusive behaviour, demonstrating commitment to diversity and setting a positive example for others within the Council and wider community.
  • Mentorship: Provide mentorship and support to other members who are interested in championing disability issues.