New era for AVA - our commitment to access and inclusion - one step closer...

Our very own Sam Clarke signing a welcome to service users using British Sign Language - part of our ongoing commitment to access for all.

A warm welcome to you from Ashfield  Voluntary Action - we are delighted that you can join us today.

 

We are the main voluntary sector infrastructure support organisation in Ashfield. This means that we help charities and other local groups and activities to support people living and working in Ashfield.

 

This may mean helping local charities to support people living with dementia and their carers, through to food share projects, play schemes and activities for children and families, bereavement and loss peer support groups and so much more. If it's happening in Ashfield we can help. A lot of our work is about building relationships, sharing knowledge and practical support to help your organisation recruit volunteers, secure funding and operate safely. 

 

We have been working in Ashfield since 2001 and have a small but dedicated team passionate about helping local people.  

 

This 'what we do', but we are really working hard to get 'how we do' right. One of the things we are really keen on is making sure that the language, pictures and way that we 'talk' to people is clear and doesn't shut people out.

 

One of the things we do is make sure that the pictures we use on our website reflect people from all walks of life in the community. If none of the images we use look like you or reflect your life how can you feel involved?

 

Access is much wider than the photos and language we use. It is all about different ways we can 'talk' to our community and make sure that they feel included.

 

We are really excited to announce that we are working to improve our website, social media and all the ways we get in touch to make sure that you don't feel left behind. Some of those changes we have already made - making sure we have paper copies of leaflets and visual displays for people who don't have access to the internet, a computer or smart phone.

 

We also have been making sure that the photos we use on our website and leaflets reflect different people in our community.

 

Going forward we want to make sure that our website will have simple tools to turn text into speech, and have text that can be resized for people to help people who are visually impaired.

 

We are also hoping to recruit a volunteer Disability Champion ideally with lived experienced so that we can make sure that we keep on track when representing the challenges for people living with a disability or long term health condition.