Exploring the Influence of Role Reversal on Disability Inclusive Planning and Practice: An Action Research Approach in Local Government
Access status:
Open Access
Type
ThesisThesis type
Doctor of PhilosophyAuthor/s
Butler, Katie Lyn AnnabelleAbstract
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. ...
See moreThe 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.
See less
See moreThe 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.
See less
Date
2024Rights statement
The author retains copyright of this thesis. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. It must not be used for any other purposes and may not be transmitted or shared with others without prior permission.Faculty/School
Faculty of Arts and Social SciencesSydney School of Education and Social Work
Awarding institution
The University of SydneyShare