Welcome to Unlearning Ableism
Video with Audio Description
Transcript
We live in an ableist society, Inaccessible Barriers. Behaviours, Biases, Prejudices, and Stereotypes, Inequitable Workplaces, Education, Transport & Travel. Lack of Representation A society that disables 1.7 billion+ people Isn’t it time we started unlearning? We partner with organisations to support them with creating psychologically safe environments that enable Disabled people to be engaged, belong, and thrive. We host a bi-monthly live series that centres diverse Disabled individuals discussing ableism and internalised ableism. We are not just your potential business partner. We are a tool and resource for the Community. Unlearning ableism, isn’t it time we started unlearning? If you would like to discuss any of our services, please get in touch. info@unlearningableism.com. www.unlearningableism.com
Millions of Disabled people are impacted by ableism every single day. Sadly, a large majority of these people will also be struggling with internalised ableism as a direct result. Only we do not learn about ableism and most people aren’t aware that they themselves are contributing to it.
What is Ableism?
Ableism is ingrained in our language, behaviours, beliefs, and even in the way we design. It is evident in our workplaces, schooling systems, government and across all areas of society. It manifests as less favourable treatment, discrimination, prejudice, stereotyping and it’s a problem that won’t simply go away on its own.
That’s why we founded Unlearning Ableism. Our tailor-made services will support you to create psychologically safe environments that enable Disabled people to engage, belong and thrive. Inclusion that is accessible, representative and free of ableism.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple, develop practical solutions that deliver real-world results, to change the lives of Disabled people for the better. Our work is centred on the value, strengths and talent of Disabled people, in line with the Social Model of Disability.
With a combined 60+ years of lived experience of being Disabled by society, and at the mercy of ableism, Celia Charters-Aris and Jamie Shields co-founded Unlearning Ableism to serve as a catalyst for much-needed change.
Unlearning Ableism partners with Individuals and Organisations to accelerate their unlearning. Supporting them to unlearn and in turn creating sustainable, tangible change.
Meet The Team
Celia & Jamie
Celia and Jamie co-founded Unlearning Ableism out of necessity. Having both grown up impacted by ableism and having both been severely affected by our own internalized ableism, we know all too well the damage ableism has on Disabled People. We know how it feels. We know the trauma it enforces and we know this cycle of oppression cannot continue. The ableism knowledge gap needs to be filled.
That is why we founded Unlearning Ableism. It just so happens we are also best friends, who found each other through the power of social media. Two Disabled strangers who connected, who understand and got what the other had been through.
Two strangers, who became best friends, who are now the co-founders of Unlearning Ableism.
Celia Chartres-Aris (she/her/hers)
Celia Chartres-Aris is a Disabled Founder and Investor, a multi-award winning campaigner and lobbyist, researcher and policy designer, advocating for the improvement of disability equity and accessibility inclusivity. Celia has founded several disabled-led organisations focused on the development and advancement of policy, ensuring that disabled people are at the heart of legislation and consultation. This year Celia has been named on The Global Diversity Leaders list and is featured on the 100 most influential disabled people list in the UK, as the 3rd most influential Disabled person changing law and policy. As an entrepreneur, Celia is the Co-founder of the first policy unit in the UK which focuses on putting disability at the heart of Westminster, and Access2Funding which brings together the global investment market and is implementing inclusive practices across the deal flow, which is significantly improving opportunities and participation for disabled entrepreneurs. Celia works across the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors with organisations, charities and the Government, advocating, designing new legislation and policies, and amending existing legislation and policies, for the improved equity of representation, inclusivity, accessibility, participation and opportunities for disabled people. Over the years this has included working with brands such as; Cola, Apple and Linkedin, and partnering with national and international Governmental bodies such as; The House of Lords, The European Union, The United Nations, Westminster and Downing Street. Passionate about politics, policy and representation, Celia is actively involved with a number of organisations and campaigns aimed at increasing the democratic elected representation of disabled people at both local and national levels of policy creation. Alongside being an advocate for inclusive law and policy, Celia is also an active campaigner for disability rights. Celia is an established consultant, host, speaker.
Jamie Shields (he/him/his)
My name’s Jamie. I’m a self-described Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino, Rhinos are just chubby unicorns with bad eyesight, don’t believe me, google it! They really do have bad eyesight. I was born with a hereditary eye condition called Ocular Albinism with Nystagmus. Or in non-medical terms, I am the same as an albino, only with pigmentation, and my eyes like to go for uncontrolled walks or dances. I spent years being Disabled by society. As an adult, I was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, which finally helped me see things a little clearer, excuse the pun. We live in a society that Disables. A society that views Disability as a problem to solve, rather than part of the human experience and part of the Solution. I am listed as one of the 100 most Influential Disabled People in the UK, I’m an award-winning ERG Lead and I’m passionate about using my lived experience to create change. Just like a rhino can change an ecosystem I believe Disabled People can change the cultures that Disable us
Live Series
Catchup with our LinkedIn Live Series, Unlearning Ableism. A live series that explores ablesim in a safe, open space. Each episode we are joined by guests to explore their own journey with Ableism and internalised ableism.
Each episode is raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically honest. Real experiences, real stories, real people, and real emotions. Unlearning Ableism is an open safe space for everyone to learn, ask questions and connect.
Our live series is hosted bimonthly, and each episode is recorded. We are currently looking for a sponsor who would like to support us in acquiring a BSL interpreter.
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Work With Us
Auditing & Implementation
Our auditing and implementation services are tailored to your unique organisation, offering bespoke packages to suit your needs. We provide ongoing support and scalable solutions at every stage of your journey. Across our Unlearning Ableism model, we will analyse infrastructure, awareness, submission, screening, terms, recruitment, employee retention and aftercare based on three categories: needs, wants, and preferences. As part of our auditing and implementation, you will have access to thought leadership, advice, and training.
We approach our organisation partners that we work with as individual entities. Understanding your specific needs, providing clear and sustainable strategies for business growth through accessibility. We align our processes with your goals to build long-lasting relationships based on a mutual commitment to unlearning ableism.
Speaking & Appearances
We don’t speak to be inspirational. We speak so that our sharing accelerates the unlearning. We speak to inspire change. Regularly speaking on panels, podcasts, and delivering keynote addresses, we bring our passion, energy, lived experience, professional experience, and the kind of bestie energy that lights up the room. We speak and share from the heart and bring bundles of energy whatever the passion.
We have worked with organisations from all across the world, of all sizes, and across all sectors, both in person and virtually. Now we want to partner with you to accelerate the unlearning.
Training (Individual & Group)
From senior managers to volunteers, we empower your employees and leaders to be responsible, inclusive, and accountable. We design and deliver bespoke learning journeys suitable for every level of your organisation Creating accessible, inclusive training experiences which everyone can participate, learn, and enjoy. Our approach develops strategy highlighting and delivering solution development, rather than focusing solely on challenges. We ensure compliance with legal obligations, as well as the increase of productivity and organisational outcomes.
Training delivered in the way that works for your organisation. We offer half and full-day, webinars, workshops, e-learning modules, or compelling virtual /in-person learning sessions.
Communications & Marketing
If accessibility isn’t at the core of your brand, your inclusion is empty words written in inaccessible ink. We work with organisations to ensure accessibility and representation are at the core of your brand. Our bespoke communications and marketing packages ensure your organisation is open and available to the 1.7 billion+ Disabled people in the world. Our auditing enhances your provision of virtual accessibility improvements, from your social media to your website, through to your written communications. We help you to build the foundations of diversity-led strategies which will cascade down to your clients – strengthening loyalty, engagement and widening your audiences. Our tailor-made services mean that we can work with you with your marketing and communications support, along with project-specific programmes and diagnostic audits of current communications.
Disability Inclusion & Accessibility
Helping you take accountability for accessibility whilst eradicating ableism from your organisation. Unlearning Ableism’s bespoke Disability inclusion and accessibility packages support your organisation with branding development, brand attraction, employee belonging, retention, and much more. Helping you engage, attract, and retain potential clients, customers, employees, etc. We will find your strengths and opportunities. Prioritise, build internal capabilities, increase knowledge and understanding, provide external validations, and improve people’s experiences inside and outside of the organisation.
Training delivered in the way that works for your organisation. We offer half and full-day, webinars, workshops, e-learning modules, or compelling virtual /in-person learning sessions.
Policy & Strategy Development
Unlearning Ableism partners with you to enhance the accessibility, belonging, and inclusivity for Disabled candidates, clients, colleagues, customers, students, service users, etc. Supporting you to eradicate ableism from your organisation once and for all.
We work in partnership with you to develop and create sustainable organisational strategies aligned with your personal values and objectives. Our policy and strategy development packages work cohesively with your organisation to review and audit your existing procedures, as well as develop and implement new sustainable policies and procedures. Such as building dignity at work, accessibility, reasonable adjustment/accommodation policies, recruitment mechanisms… Together, through policy and strategy development, we are able to build fair and equitable talent management and human resources processes. Analysing structure and management processes to identify and interrupt systematic biases, assisting in the application of inclusive accessible design principles to implement inclusive recruitment, objective assessment, onboarding, succession, culture, protections, and identification practices.
Contact Us
Get in touch to discuss how we can support you.
