A campaign sharing previously unheard voices is gaining traction with videos, pictures, and more being shared across social media.
The ‘Hear it from us’ campaign was launched in November by UnLtd.
It aimed to give a platform to voices that have been historically unheard – including individuals living with physical disabilities in Guernsey.
The charity says there are currently more than 13,000 people living in Guernsey with significant physical or sensory impairments and that number is growing all the time, said Development Manager Tim Feak.
“Given the island’s ageing population, if more is not done to improve access for this disenfranchised group, it will lead to further impact on the island, such as economic loss of the purple pound, further pressure on health and social services and capable islanders unable to work.”
Mr Feak said the campaign is a call to action for local businesses and organisations: to listen, learn and lead by example to make their workplaces and facilities more inclusive.
To encourage this, UnLtd has created a series of short videos with members sharing their first-hand lived experiences to highlight what practical support is needed to thrive in the local environment.
“Too often, conversations about inclusion happen around people with disabilities, not with them, and so true progress isn’t made,” said Dr Rob Harnish, Managing Director at UnLtd.
” ‘Hear it from Us’ passes them the microphone, it gives them the space to explain in their own words what real support looks like to them. It gives them a voice and a platform where they’ve previously gone unheard. From this opportunity, the featured members have grown exponentially in confidence and empowerment from being able to share their heartfelt experience.”
The ‘Hear it from Us’ videos are available to watch on UnLtd’s social media channels, and businesses can contact UnLtd directly to learn more about making workplaces accessible and inclusive.
Unltd is based at the Ron Short Centre at Beau Sejour.