LET’S had the pleasure of doing 2 Disability Awareness workshops for staff at the West Vancouver Memorial Library. Both workshops covered disability, ableism, neurodiversity, and neurodiversity/neurotypical communication styles.
Several participants approached the workshop’s facilitator to say that they felt seen. They said the workshop gave them an opportunity to have these conversations with staff. Others said they hadn’t thought of their communication styles and how they differed from others and were glad of the conversation and would do further reflection.
Our facilitator’s favourite comment was “I was dreading having to sit through a 3 hour workshop but this went by so fast and was 1 of the best workshops I’ve ever seen.” 3 hours is a long time to sit while someone is talking. This time length is helped by all workshop participants being provided with stim items (fidgets) and colouring. Several people remarked on how this enabled them to concentrate, focus, and engage.
Our workshops are broken up with breaks and breakout sessions. When questions are asked to the broader group, participants tend to not speak up. It’s perceived as public speaking, which intimidates many. Breakout sessions are a great way to have small group discussions where people feel more comfortable conversing without feeling like a spotlight is on them.
Shortly after providing these 2 workshops, we were contacted by North Vancouver District Public Library. They were referred to us by a workshop participant. We appreciate them spreading the word about our organization and workshops. We also look forward to continuing to provide quality content for librarians across the province.
(4 librarians standing, 1 sitting, at table.
Behind them are shelves of books.)