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Chatting for Change

What is Chatting for Change?

Chatting for Change is the transformational new training programme we are now offering to businesses and organisations across Northern Ireland.

What we do:

Presented by our Lived Experience Team – trained facilitators who have a range of disability lived experience – Chatting for Change offers unique insight, disability expertise, and lively interaction between trainers and participants in a package which is tailored to your business needs.

Why we do it:

Northern Ireland is legally required to be accessible under a range of Acts and Orders, however, practical experiences vary widely. Disabled individuals in Northern Ireland – including our Lived Experience Team – frequently encounter obstacles when trying to access information, jobs, products or services.

This means that not only are some disabled people losing out on experiences which are open to other people in society, but businesses and organisations are – whether consciously or unconsciously – excluding potential staff, customers and clients and losing out on knowledge, expertise and revenue.

The disabled community is the only marginalised group that any of us can join at any time. By becoming a disability ally through our Chatting for Change training, you aren’t just helping the lives of nameless individuals you will never meet. Statistically, you are making the world a better place for your future self, friends and family.

How Chatting for Change can benefit your organisation:

  • Gives you access to The Purple Pound – combined spending power of disabled households in the UK is now £446 billion per year.
  • Offers equity and inclusion for disabled colleagues, customers and clients
  • Enhances the reputation of your business or organisation as being innovative and socially responsible
  • Increases the public profile of your business and its reputation as an open, ethical and welcoming place to work and do business
  • Gives you a competitive edge – helps you to stand out from the competition
  • Potentially opens up new funding avenues – e.g. Belfast City Council’s Inclusive Tourism Voucher Scheme, Department for Communities (e.g. access and inclusion equipment)

To find out more about Chatting for Change and how your business can benefit, contact sarah@openartsni.org 

A guide dog user speaks with a staff member at a modern information desk. The space has wooden panelling, white counters with digital screens and signage for Visit Belfast reception and visitor bookings.
A female wheelchair user at a shop counter holding a beige tote bag that reads “wee bag – BORN&BRED.” She is smiling at the shop assistant.