Exploring the Influence of Role Reversal on Disability Inclusive Planning and Practice: An Action Research Approach in Local Government

Abstract

The full realisation of Australian social policy seeking to advance the inclusion of disabled people relies on government organisations taking appropriate actions to proactively uphold rights by enhancing accessibility and inclusivity of policies, processes and service delivery. This qualitative, action research study aimed to gain a further understanding of methods successful in building capability in disability inclusive planning and practice within government organisations. The study drew on Vick Finkelstein’s upside-down-world analogy, developed to illustrate the social model of disability by reversing the experiences of those with and without disability. Taking place in a NSW regional local council, the study presented a group of 13 council personnel with role reversal activities in the form of barriers typically experienced by disabled people. Assisted by the disabled research facilitator and fellow disabled Expert Contributors, participants were guided through a process of problem-posing, critical dialogue and action planning, inspired by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Council personnel then carried out actions to enhance inclusivity of the council’s practice over eight months. The study demonstrated that role reversal activities were effective in enabling personnel to understand disability from a social model of disability perspective and to take action against barriers to inclusion. Further, the action research itself facilitated collaborative work and problem-solving; led to the identification of organisational facilitators and barriers to inclusive practice; fostered the development of champions; and influenced action beyond the action group itself. This research demonstrates that role reversal activities facilitated by disabled people, coupled with collaborative work and action, such as that facilitated in action research hold great potential for enhancing the disability inclusive planning and practice of government organisations.