It gets irritating and tiring doesn’t it having to repeat your access requirements to various organisations, only to find they’ve been forgotten about, or lost, or you’ve missed something?
So disabled people’s organisation Shaping Our Lives, whose motto is ‘Inclusive Involvement Matters’ has set up a free tool – the My Involvement Profile – which was designed by its members, using a simple format to record access and support needs which can then be shared with organisations before events or when you get involved in things such as focus groups.
Also included in the profile is a place to record interests, skills, and involvement activities.
The organisation says: “We focus on enabling people from diverse groups, those facing barriers, to get involved and have their say when it comes to health, social care, and research. So having a place to jot down your interests and skills is a useful thing to have if you’re thinking about getting involved with an organisation as part of their board, public feedback forums, or research groups.”
The My Involvement Profile is free for individuals. All you have to do is send them an email on hello@shapingourlives.org.uk to request a copy and any guidance or support to complete it. Or call them if that’s easier on 0345 241 0383
The organisation also has Twitter and Facebook sites and sends out regular newsletters.