Meetings: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
“This 10-minute short film pokes fun at how poorly-run meetings can exclude people with cognitive disabilities, and shares some tips for how to make consumer participation a positive experience for everyone.”
Meetings - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Short on time? Check out this 5-minute version of the film
Meetings - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (5-minute version)
About the Film
Starring experienced Self Advocate, Colin Hiscoe and “experienced bureaucrat” Michael Cromey this short film takes a fun look at what makes a meeting truly inclusive for people with intellectual disabilities. In the role of Joe, Colin’s final monologue sums it up;
“Imagine a meeting where I’m not patronised, ignored or treated differently, where everyone uses plain English and take my opinions seriously. I just wish I could be a part of a meeting like that.”
In the scenes with Michael Cromey’s character, Chair Montgomery, Colin says “the way the person with a disability was treated they had no say, no voice, no nothing”. Does that happen in real life? “I think I’m lucky because I’ve done the Voice at the Table training and meetings aren’t that bad. It still does happen. I sometimes worry – when you notice someone not saying anything – maybe we should ask them”. Colin has appeared in many films over the years. He says “it was good to be an actor again, but it was hard having to re-shoot things over and over.”
Other Resources
LINK: Top Ten Tips for running inclusive meetingsRead our tips for consumer participation and running inclusive meetings