National Disability Services (NDS) have launched ‘Positive Cultures’, a set of eight short films as a guide to help spark conversations within organisations to create cultures where every person feels valued, listened to and safe to speak up.
Each film helps to start a conversation about a different aspect of organisational culture, with questions at the end of each film as conversation starters between people with disability, workers, managers, CEOs, Boards and families.
Here’s NDS overview of the seventh video in this series “The Way we use language”:
- Sometimes the language used in disability services can hurt people and change the way others see them. We need to think about the words we use.
Acting NDS CEO, David Moody said “The films depict important conversations to have as we continue making improvements to ensure the rights of people with disability, greater safety and quality services.”
The films are part of NDS’ Zero Tolerance Initiative – a national approach to promoting human rights and addressing abuse, neglect and violence toward people with disability. NDS has been leading the Zero Tolerance Initiative in partnership with the disability sector since 2013.
NDS is pleased to be launching the Positive Cultures Films at a time when the sector is undergoing significant change. With the Royal Commission into abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation towards people with disability on the horizon, it is important that organisations continue to focus on their culture to ensure that everyone in the organisation feels valued, listened to and safe to speak up.
What’s your feedback on the Positive Cultures seventh video “The Way we use language”?
- Did it help you start a conversation?
- Will you be implementing the lessons learnt in this video to help make changes to the language you use?
Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue with the Positive Cultures project and we would like to receive your feedback.
If you’d like to learn more about the films and how you can use them, you can click the button below to Download the Positive Cultures guide.
DOWNLOAD GUIDE
Some tips for positive conversations:
- Think about where and when you will have the conversation so that everyone is comfortable and free from distraction.
- Make sure you allow enough time so that everyone has the opportunity to speak and be heard.
- Think about what follow-up might be needed. Let people know how they can keep the conversation going and where they can get support if needed.
- Consider who you would like to facilitate the conversation.
Getting the support you need
Some of the things that are talked about in the films or that you talk about together might bring up feelings for people. This may be because of things you have experienced or seen in your work or personal life.
Please talk to someone you trust if you need to discuss any of the issues covered in these films. This may include a family member or friend, or a supervisor or manager. You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for confidential 24-hour telephone crisis support.
For more information and practical tools, visit the NDS website.
Source: https://www.nds.org.au
