Together! 2012 CIC aims to create a ‘Safer Space’ for our events and activities where everyone is included equally.
What do we mean by a Safer Space?
Together! 2012 CIC worked for 12 months with our Team members, Board members and participants to identify what we mean by Safety and a Safer Space. Our consultants on this journey were Resist and Renew.
What is a Safer Space for Disabled people in the arts?
- A space where the focus is on art and creativity, and where people can develop their identity as their creative self.
- A space without discrimination where everyone is respected as equals and no one is harassed, mocked or bullied.
- A space where people are not criticised or judged.
- A space where Disabled people are respected as the experts on their own needs, and feel safe to say when these are not being met or could be met better.
- A space where people own their feelings and do not take it out on others if they are struggling to understand them or meet their needs or they otherwise feel inadequate.
- A space where Disabled people do not have to identify their individual needs in order for basic inclusion standards to be met and facilities to be provided.
- A space where distress, anxiety, different ways of speaking and meltdowns are responded to appropriately and not mistaken for abuse.
- A space where everyone is not expected to have the same life experiences outside of it, and where the needs and rights of people who lead physically and/or socially restricted lives are respected.
- A space where people help each other, particularly when they don’t have access to one-to-one support.
- A space where conflicts can be resolved positively and people can move forward from them.
- A space where clearly defined and straightforward systems and processes will be followed which everyone can understand, learn and rely on.
- A space where no one will be asked personal questions about their lives and impairments and personal comments will not be made about them, their clothes, possessions and disability aids.
- A space where no one is made to feel different or inferior because of their uniqueness and where no one suggests it would be better for them to be non-disabled or to have different access needs.
- A space where triggering subjects will usually be avoided, particularly conversations about abuse, suicide, housing or benefits difficulties and family relationships, and where trigger warnings will be provided if activities, screenings, performances or events contain these subjects.
- A space where people feel comfortable having their beliefs about Disability and Disabled people and/or their professional practice challenged, and are able to change their behaviour without feeling attacked or defensive.
- A space where people feel comfortable engaging with challenging art.
How does Together! 2012 CIC create an online Safer Space for Disabled people in the arts?
- There is a clear structure and timetable for the event or activity and information is provided in advance.
- We send out regular activity and event reminders with links.
- There is an effective feedback and complaints policy.
- We only ask you to tell us an emergency contact number and about any access requirements you might have.
- Activity leaders ensure that discussions are focussed on the activity and not on personal issues.
- Any disruption is dealt with quickly and effectively, with people removed from the Zoom and negative comments deleted as necessary.
- Participants know that they can turn off their mic and camera/step away for a while if they need to do so, or leave the Zoom meeting or webinar if necessary.
- Activity leaders are well lit.
- Activity leaders have clear sound.
- Audio-description is provided as required by activity leaders.
- Auto-captions are available for all Zoom-based activities.
- Captions are available on all website/YouTube videos.
- Caption workers are present at one-off live events.
- British Sign Language interpreters are present at one-off events.
- Workers remind participants to stay hydrated and comfortable.
The majority of our other policies contribute towards the Together! 2012 CIC Safer Spaces Policy:
The Ground rules for participants explain what we expect of participants in our Clubs programme and other activities and their carers to keep themselves and other people safe.
The Code of Conduct for Directors, Employees, Apprentices, Interns and Volunteers explains what we expect of our Team members to keep themselves and other people safe.
The Code of Conduct for Personal Assistance explains what we expect of paid workers providing support to participants to keep themselves and other people safe.
The Data Protection Policy explains how we keep personal information safe.
The Equality & Diversity Policy explains our commitment to offer equal opportunities to everyone who works, volunteers or participates with Together! 2012 CIC.
The Feedback, Compliments and Complaints Policy explains what you can do if you have concerns about safety issues.
The Health and Safety Policy explains the practical steps we take to create a safe and accessible environment at our events and activities.
The Safeguarding Policy explains what we will do if we are concerned about someone’s safety.
The Quality Assurance Policy explains the steps we take to ensure that everyone can benefit from high quality activities and events.
In addition to these, our Metrics for measuring Equality, Access and Inclusion explain the practical steps we take to ensure that our events and activities are inclusive and accessible: https://www.together2012.org.uk/resources/metrics-for-equality-access-and-inclusion/
MONITORING AND REVIEW
This Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and reviewed annually by the directors to ensure that it remains fit for purpose, and is updated as necessary.
Reviewed and updated 12/4/2024.