Spotlight
At Neuroinclusivity in Housing, we found it helpful to learn how other organizations and projects include community voice. In this spotlight, we share our key learnings and reflections, and offer suggestions on how this infusion can happen.
Many of our learnings come from experience with members of our Autistic and Neurodivergent Advisory Group, who actively contribute to project activities. We recognize that their unique perspective and input can make our work better and more meaningful.
Context
Community voice means that the people who are served by the project (i.e., Autistic and Neurodivergent people in Canada) can contribute to it. It is essential because it recognizes the value of what community members know and their lived-experiences.
Opportunity
There are many ways to include community voice in projects and initiatives and using multiple ways is beneficial for everyone. While our project focuses on housing, we think these ways are transferable to many types of initiatives.
Key learnings and reflections
Working groups and committees should:
Include people with characteristics representative of the community impacted
Include people who have a desire to find solutions that help themselves and others in their community
In our Neurodivergent Advisory Group, community members:
- Identify areas for a project to develop
- Review project activities and outputs
- Share personal stories that inform decisions
Projects should use different ways of gathering perspectives such as through:
- One-to-one and group conversations
- Spoken and typed word
- Artistic expression
- Activities and technological tools
Challenges and Limitations
There can be challenges and limitations in including the entire community, for example with:
- lesser verbal and nonverbal Autistic people
- people with intellectual disabilities and autism
- people without a stable internet connection
Asking about access needs and offering accommodations to support individuals can help. For example:
- offering one-to-one phone calls instead of online group meetings
- having alternate activities
- bringing in an individual’s natural or paid support to help
Resources and examples
Community Tool Box
A large resource and training hub with models and tools on how to create positive change in communities, including ways to include community voice.
Re•Storying Autism
An example of a project rooted in community voice, and including it through art, story-telling, and multimedia to transform understandings of autism.
Neurodiverse Connection
An advocacy group and social enterprise in the UK led by neurodivergent people, with services such as training and consultancy.
Eight principles of neuro-inclusion; an autistic perspective on innovating inclusive research methods
An academic article, perspective, and flexible guidance on including autistic voice in research.
Past spotlights
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