Disability-led training: what Clare learned through theatre
Open Doors Open Minds: Training with a difference
By Clare · Originally published 6 June 2018
Original article and dated context
Clare is a project officer at Clickability. She’s a social worker with a background in Brain Injury and Mental Health. When she’s not talking all things Clickability, you can find her crocheting, riding her bike, singing with friends or reading terrible fantasy novels.
Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Open Doors Open Minds, an inclusive training program developed and presented by people with disabilities and Rebus Theatre. It was so different and great that I wanted to tell you all about it!
It was like nothing I’ve ever been involved in before. I felt confronted, empowered and engaged, and learned heaps about the difficulties that people with disabilities face day to day and how I have a role in changing that.
The program plays out in fully acted scenes, which feature common mistakes, acts of discrimination, and their effects. After the first run through, audience members can then replace characters and model ‘better’ behaviour.
Each actor skillfully played their part, showing in-depth understanding of their roles by improvising and responding on the spot to changes in the script. The process was all facilitated by Artistic Director Robin Davidson, who was artfully engaging, challenging and supportive of both the actors and the audience.
Each scenario was also researched in discussions with the community, and based on real experiences of people with disabilities. You can feel the truth in the scenes, share in the frustration of the characters, and then be part of the solution!
The scene that stuck in my mind was the (very real) scenario where they asked for a quote for public liability insurance for their performance. I had no idea that insurance agencies try to charge more to insure a performance just because an actor has a disability! By proving this broad thinking is simply community misunderstanding, Open Doors Open Minds demonstrated how this scenario could also be changed for the future.
This makes the audience the real stars – as they give it a go, perform on stage for the first time, and reflect on other people’s experiences. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we all walked away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of how we can make each others’ lives a little easier.
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Choose one practice to change after the training
Ask what the session revealed about a real barrier in your service: information, access, assumptions or how feedback is handled. Discuss that issue with participants and staff, then agree a practical change and how you will know whether it helps.
Use Commission rights standards and relevant role-specific training alongside lived-experience learning. Do not present participation in a workshop as proof that your organisation is inclusive. Explain the actual practices and give people a usable way to question them.
Turn reflection into a different response on shift
Think about a situation where you made an assumption or offered help without checking. Ask how the participant would prefer the situation handled. Bring questions to supervision and practise a response that respects their communication and choices.
Use worker guidance for the relationship and your role. A theatre scene can reveal a problem without prescribing the answer for every person. Keep listening after the training rather than assuming the learning is complete.
Questions readers ask
Does attending an inclusive-training workshop prove compliance?
No. It is one learning activity, not a compliance finding.
Is the 2018 program confirmed as available today?
No. Check current information with the organiser.
Find providers who can explain their approach
Tell Clickability about the assistance you need and compare reviewed and rated providers. Ask about staff preparation and how feedback changes their service.
