Training & Consultation
For over 30 years, Birds of Paradise, Scotland’s pioneering disability-led theatre company, has been a force for change. Our training and consultation work supports organisations from the arts and beyond to build the knowledge and confidence to deliver accessible environments and projects for staff, artists, and audiences.
Whether you’re looking for Disability Equality Training or a more bespoke workshop or consultation package, we can help.
To make an enquiry, contact training@boptheatre.co.uk
Disability Equality Training: The BOP Way
Our training is an interactive experience led by disabled people with lived experience who are able to give you the information you need and discuss your concerns with you. We create a relaxed, open space for honest conversations, reflection, and practical learning. We’ll equip you with the knowledge and confidence to dismantle barriers and become a true ally for disability equality in the arts and beyond.
Our training will help you:
- Champion Disability Justice: Be inspired to move beyond legal duties and become a proactive advocate for disability equality in the arts and beyond.
- Understand the Social Model of Disability: Shift your perspective towards removing societal barriers.
- Identify and Dismantle Barriers: Learn to recognise and address the physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that exclude disabled people.
- Embrace Inclusive Practices: Gain practical tools and strategies to make your work, workplace, venue, and communications more accessible and inclusive.
The shape of each training session can be adapted to fit with your requirements. We offer two off-the-shelf packages – outlined below – which can also be adapted to your specific needs. We find most impact when training is completed in half day sessions (3-4 hours).
Our packages
Disability Equality Training
Our Disability Equality Training covers:
- Examining how society view disability and how this impacts attitudes and practices:
- cultural representation and stereotypes
- models of disability
- Legislation and its application
- understanding who is considered disabled
- reasonable adjustments
- Disability identity
- Building confidence in ways of working
- language and its use
- addressing disabling barriers
Our Accessibility Toolbox session covers topics including:
- Access Requirements Forms – what are they and how to use them
- Access Statements – what are they and how to use them
- Planning for Access – a walk though of things to consider when planning accessible activities
- This session includes time for discussion and responding to specific questions you may have
Accessibility Toolbox
Training for Every Organisation
We work with a diverse range of organisations, from small arts companies to large national institutions. We can tailor our training to meet the specific needs of your team, including:
- Front-of-House and Visitor Experience Teams
- Marketing and Communications Staff
- Programming and Curatorial Teams
- Boards and Senior Leadership
- Full Staff Teams
Past clients have included
BOP can provide you with a tailor made package of training and consultation to address the specific issues facing your organisation. This can be provided online or in-person.
Bespoke Training, Lasting Impact
We offer a range of scalable training and consultation options to suit your needs and budget:
- Our existing off-the-shelf packages: Disability Equality Training and Accessibility Toolbox. Half day each delivered in-person or online.
- Bespoke Training packages: Using a combination of our existing resources together with tailored skills development, we can make a package that works for you.
- Organisational Consultation: We work with you to develop a tailored program of support to address your organisation’s specific challenges and goals.
All our training is designed to be engaging, interactive, and thought-provoking. We use a variety of creative methods, including workshops, discussions, and case studies, to bring the learning to life.
Feedback
“A wee note to say a cracking w/shop – very few occasions I can sit for 3 hours absorbed and interested – very useful and good learning – thank you for organising.”
“Surpassed my expectations. Was able to ask the “rookie” questions that I was afraid I’d have to ask. The atmosphere and openness was truly conducive to productive learning. Excellent value for money.”
“The most successful thing was that I felt challenged by some of the exercises and kept thinking after the training was finished. It felt to me that the training really ‘got through’ to me. I also felt inspired and wanted to pass on what I’d learned.”
“Really well delivered, presenters in particular were very engaging. Session was delivered with good humour and individuals expertise and knowledge really came across.”
The BOP team have trained over 2,000 participants in Scotland since 2017 and have been employed by companies such as the V&A Dundee, National Theatre of Scotland and since 2017 BOP have been the official trainers for The Edinburgh Fringe Society. We also have experience in non-arts settings such as BT Murraryfield and Marriott Hotels. Internationally we have worked as consultants in Mexico, Brazil, Nepal and Rwanda.
