Discussion
Inclusion does not just happen as a result of a mission statement or
from an increase in awareness about disability. What may facilitate a
shift towards more inclusive outcomes, however, is the experience of new
situations leading to behaviour changes, that in turn may create human
capital assets (Miller & Russell, 2010). Intentional Invitations were
sent out to a group of people with disabilities and some turned up, keen
to share everyday experiences with others. In the process some shifts in
attitudes and behaviour occurred in many participants. This was
encouraging as it hints at the possibility that shared spaces can help
create more social inclusion and cohesion.
The potential impact of an intervention aimed at increasing social
inclusion is on a continuum from raising awareness, fostering dialogue
and debate, mobilising partners, challenging entrenched social and
cultural norms, building inclusive environments, changing professional
and service practices through to building change capability (Field et
al, 2012). We aimed to reach as far as possible, within the scope of
this study, towards deep change within this continuum and discuss below
what has been learnt about mobilising partners and building inclusive
environments as a precursor to changing professional and service
practices.