Moving from Unintentional Ableism to Belonging: An Introduction

Join Ruth McAteer and Ladi Mohammed-Chapman for a thought-provoking workshop that demystifies ableism - the beliefs, practices, and systems that devalue people with disabilities, often unconsciously. By exploring unconscious bias in the way people speak, think, and design our world, together with case studies from diverse situations and trajectories, we’ll discuss practical insights and guidance on how to increase a sense of belonging in our communities. This session will introduce how subtle assumptions, inaccessible systems, and everyday language can either exclude or create belonging, and how you can start to make a difference. 

This course is suitable for educators, employers, policymakers and organisations, particularly careers leaders, career development practitioners, and HR professionals who are seeking to develop their understanding of ableism and begin exploring practical ways to create a greater sense of belonging for their colleagues, clients, friends or family. 

Learning Outcomes:
•    Recognize and replace unintentional ableism with everyday actions that create belonging
•    Create more inclusive spaces — both digitally and in person
•    Improve outcomes for friends, families, workplaces, and communities
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Speaker biographies
Ruth is a Level 6 qualified Career Development Professional who has worked in Malaysia for the past 10 years. A pioneering thinker in reimagining careers education, she draws on her lived experience as a Deaf individual working in a highly multicultural environment and her intersectional perspective to transform exclusion into inclusion. Ruth is deeply committed to supporting others on their inclusion journey.

Ladi is an award-winning careers and employability development specialist with over 30 years of experience in education, including roles as a career adviser, careers leader and careers-link school governor. Founder of Global Educational Travel and Tours (GETT) and Director of 7 Continental Careers (7CC), Ladi champions global collaboration and inclusive practices by challenging traditional approaches and inspiring inclusion. Supporting meaningful workplace experiences through the creation of the PERE Model, her dedication highlights equitable opportunities for young people to thrive.

This session supports the following CPD competencies:

•    Career Development Practice
•    Career-Related Policy and Practice
•    Professional Practice, Values, and Ethics