Disability advocacy and support
Practical support, guidance and advocacy for disabled people, families and organisations.
How I can help
I offer disability awareness and advocacy training for organisations, alongside one to one advocacy support for individuals and families. Everything I do is grounded in lived experience as a blind person who competed internationally in para judo for almost ten years, which gives me a direct and engaging way into these conversations.
Whether you are an organisation looking for training, or an individual or family looking for support, there is a path for you below.
For schools, colleges, businesses and organisations
I deliver disability awareness and advocacy training for schools, colleges, universities, other education providers, businesses and corporate teams. Sessions can be delivered in person or remotely, and are built around what your organisation actually needs.
General disability awareness training
Aimed at giving non-disabled people a better understanding of disability: what it actually means, the impact it can have, and the best ways to support a disabled person in your organisation. This includes understanding what the Equality Act 2010 means in practice and the duties it places on organisations. Sessions are engaging and conversational rather than me simply talking at you, so there is plenty of room to ask questions. The aim is that people walk away feeling genuinely more confident and informed around disability.
Disability advocacy training
Designed to build the confidence and skill to handle difficult, often emotionally challenging situations in a professional way that gets the best outcome for the disabled person. It is relevant both to disabled people, including children with special educational needs and disabled adults, and to the people around them, such as teachers, education staff and employees who want to understand the issue and learn how to help.
You will learn how to challenge things that are wrong in education, training or employment, understand your rights as a disabled person, and stay assertive and professional under pressure. In short, how to make yourself a harder target for discrimination. Because this is a skill that has to be built up, it usually works best across more than one session.
Formats and fees
My training is highly flexible and built around your needs. A typical package might be a half day visit, for example speaking to classes in a school or running an awareness or advocacy workshop. I can also be booked for shorter sessions or a full day, in person or remotely, depending on what works for you. Fees depend on the format and requirements, so please get in touch for a quote.
To discuss a session or request a quote, call 07545 775630 or email coach@connahanders.com.
For individuals and families
One to one advocacy support for disabled people and parents of disabled children.
Support may include self-advocacy coaching, assistance with understanding and requesting reasonable adjustments, support navigating schools, colleges, universities and training providers, along with practical guidance around accessibility, accountability and participation.
Fighting for basic access and participation as a disabled person, or as a parent of a disabled child, can be a hard battle and a full-time job.
I aim to take some of the struggle out of this. As a disability advocacy coach, I can help you learn the best ways to stand up for yourself, keep people accountable and make sure you get the right support.
I have a lifetime of lived experience battling with the education system, training providers and other organisations, so I understand how to approach these situations and help people navigate them more effectively.
Let’s take the battles out of access. For individuals and families, please book below.