Participated in a disability webinar with the Combined Authority

I was invited to participate in a special webinar on a disability related strategy by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

It is called "Designing a Disabled Voice" and it is linked to a publication and strategy to make the West Midlands the exemplary region for Disabled people.

This started with the introduction by Mark Fostbrook, Senior Policy Manager on Health & Disability at the West Midlands Combined Authority. He addressed the strategy on how the disability voice is to be heard as part of the combined authority's long-term strategy.

The attendance ranges from different community groups organisations related to support, guidance and other focused services for disabilities.

Focused converstaions
As part of the webinar, some focused groups were developed

On the question of my thoughts on making the West Midlands
I emphasise that if they were people who need to play a key role, we'll stop; however, I felt this can only happen with a structure of representative voices with key connections.

On how this can be done
Being heard, seen, and valued is important, especially for those who are not connected with groups and forums.

Further developments to come on how the feedback of the participants of the webinar can help shape the strategy on the short, medium & long term.

Towards the end of the meeting, I made suggestions

"Participants need to be in touch with each other to start the process now"