Catherine McLaren.
really amazing group of individuals who are passionate about supporting disa- bility in our profession. Some have lived experience of disabilities and some want to support as allies. We are grateful for their time, energy and enthusiasm as each individual brings a unique take on working in the information sector. We are keen to learn from best practice, innovate and normalise conversations about disability.”
That engagement is the first stage, and Morag says: “For me it’s all about starting conversations about disability and practicing inclusive ways of work- ing. Many LIS workers will not identify as disabled, even though they may live with a condition that is classed as a disability. They may be high functioning and could be using coping strategies that work for them. They may not feel disabled. However, making colleagues aware of best practice can improve opportunities for all.
“My hope is for dialogues around disability to become normalised. To do that we need to start the conversation and demonstrate best practice within the LIS profession. This will allow us to be part of wider networks and spheres of influence.”
Both Catherine and Morag were keen to find out more about the Disability Network when they learnt about plans, and both thought about how they could
June 2021
get involved. Catherine reveals that it was not necessarily an easy or straightforward decision, saying: “I heard about the new network from a CILIP email that went out to members. I spent a long time trying to decide if I wanted to be involved and, if I did, how much did I want to be involved? I have a number of hidden disabilities, and did I want to acknowledge these publicly by sharing my experiences and supporting others, or not?
“Having come to the decision to get involved I wanted to try and make the experience people have of CILIP and the profession better for everyone. I want a profession that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible – that it puts this at the heart of all it does, rather than as an after-thought.”
Morag says that experience with her current employer led to her desire to be involved with CILIP’s Disability Net- work. She says: “I’m lucky enough to be Co-Chair of Croydon Health Services Staff Networking Group for Disability, which is called CAN – The Croydon Ability Network. There is a lot of support at Croydon Health Services for our active staff networks and I am always looking for disability related opportunities to support staff and end-users.
“I feel strongly that staff networks are valuable vehicles for culture change and for sharing best practice. I have supported colleagues with their Access to Work,
Morag Clarkson.
which has been very rewarding. I have a special interest in dyslexia, neurodiversity and mental health.
“Pre-Covid I volunteered as a Digital Champion in a public library and as a crisis counsellor on a mental health text- line, as well as being a Mental Health First Aid trainer. I have seen how listening and giving support to navigate systems and procedures can help people feel empowered. I don’t identify as having a disability, but I feel that as human beings we all have the potential to step on and off a disability continuum. I wanted to get involved as I feel that the LIS community deserves support and advocacy in the area of disability or as some define it, being differently able.“
Both Catherine and Morag see the Disa- bility Network as an opportunity – not just for members, but for the whole profession.
CILIP’s role
Yvonne Morris is CILIP’s Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Programmes Manager and she has been supporting the Network’s steering group as it prepares to launch on 22 July. The Disability Network is CILIP’s third such network, following the BAME Network and the LGBTQ+ Network.
The aim of all three networks is to help the Library, Information and Knowledge sectors to become more representative and inclusive – from those starting out in
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