top of page
Valued Voices
Elevating Inclusion, Guided by Experience. Our training, shaped by real stories, collaborates with organizations for an inclusive transformation.
Welcome
Our Mission
Harnessing the power of firsthand experiences, our inclusion training initiative is spearheaded by individuals who bring a wealth of lived experiences, particularly within the realm of disabilities.
In collaboration with forward-thinking organizations, our mission is to develop profoundly inclusive and sustainable environments.
By sharing compelling narratives and expert insights, our trainers inspire trans-formative change, fostering a workplace culture that not only accommodates but celebrates diversity.
Through this unique blend of personal expertise and our collaborative approach with organisations , we endeavor to create a landscape where individuals with disabilities not only thrive but also contribute meaningfully to the collective success of organisations. Together, we are shaping a future where inclusion is not merely a concept but an empowering reality.
Meet the team
Meet our team of dedicated disability consultants – seasoned professionals committed to fostering inclusive excellence. With a wealth of expertise, we navigate the complexities of diversity, providing tailored solutions for your organization's success.
Let's create meaningful change together.
Niall Mcnulty
Co-Founder
I have a passion to work with and for, the local community, particularly those who are labelled as ‘hard to reach’, or who are ‘Othered’ and as a result their voices are seldom heard.
This passion comes from my own lived experience as a brown person with mixed heritage in a predominantly white community, which led me on a journey to better understand TRUE inclusion and how that can lead to a better and wider sense belonging.
I have brought this passion in to all my work, managing, fundraising and developing a range of diverse projects such as; “M-Unit” a voluntary organisation supporting and celebrating Carlisles Black and Brown community, and SoC, (Skaters of Carlisle) a youth skateboard coaching project enabling unemployed young people to access training and paid coaching opportunities.
My work led to a more formal role as a City Councillor giving me the opportunity to represent the voices of ALL people across the Community, influencing local policy and expressing beliefs in greater investment and understanding of our growing communities.
Being co-founder of Valued Voices is the next step on my journey in letting others know how they can improve their own inclusion and understand how to move towards environments that are more about belonging.
Cat Robson
Co-Founder
I am a proud mother, wife, and self-proclaimed tech enthusiast. Beyond these roles, I embrace my identity as a mixed-race, neurodivergent woman navigating life alongside chronic conditions. This unique intersectionality has driven me to develop groundbreaking and thought-provoking training at Valued Voices, with the aim of bringing about sustainable change.
For a long time, I grappled with the challenges posed by my protected characteristics, experiencing ableism and racism—often met with denial of these identities. I mistakenly believed that the fault lay with me for not conforming to societal expectations of how I should look and behave.
However, I came to realize that these experiences were indicative of broader societal issues, reflecting how the disability rights movement is perceived.
I noticed a one-dimensional portrayal of disability discussions, often detached from the communities it directly affects. This detachment led to the loss or distortion of true voices, making nuanced conversations about intersectional identities like mine scarce. I began to understand that issues around segregation, privilege, social mobility, and the erasure of history, commonly associated with racial movements, also affect the disability community. However, these conversations are seldom had or reported on. With Valued Voices, I strive to initiate those nuanced conversations because, without them, true understanding of the community and progress within the movement are hindered.
This realization forms the foundation of Valued Voices' mission in inclusion training. We aim to foster a collaborative approach, different from traditional disability inclusion training that often focuses on changing the disabled individual or sidelines the community as mere side characters in their story or excludes them completely. Naturally, I began to find this insulting as a member of the community and frustrated seeing this happening as I feel it's hindering forward-thinking organizations who wish to include my community and negatively impacting the progress of the disability civil rights movement. Founding Valued Voices is my answer to solving exclusionary inclusion training practices that impact my community.
Our Services
Training
Our Disability Training stands out because it is driven by lived experiences from members of the disabled community taking center stage. Unlike traditional training, we bring firsthand perspectives into the spotlight, fostering a deeper understanding and connection. This approach ensures that your organization learns not just theoretical concepts but gains insights that can only come from those who have navigated the challenges themselves.
Our Disability Inclusion Consultancy Services, enriched by consultants with lived experience, offer a uniquely valuable perspective to organizations. Unlike traditional training workshops, our consultancy provides personalized, in-depth insights into the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. This nuanced understanding allows us to tailor strategies specific to your organization's needs, going beyond generic training approaches.
Consultancy
Bespoke Package
Our Bespoke Disability Training and Consultancy packages are a valuable investment for organizations seeking a long-term partnership in disability inclusion. Tailored to your unique needs, these packages go beyond one-time training sessions, creating a sustained and impactful approach to inclusion. Our consultants, equipped with lived experiences, provide a depth of understanding that ensures strategies are not only effective but also culturally relevant. By choosing our bespoke packages, organizations establish a continuous and collaborative relationship, fostering an inclusive culture that evolves with the changing needs of the workforce and community. This commitment to long-term partnership sets the stage for authentic and lasting disability inclusion, positioning your organization as a leader in diversity and social responsibility.
Quote About Inculsion
“Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice we make every day. As leaders, we have to put out the message that we embrace and not just tolerate diversity.”
Nellie Borrero (Managing Director, Senior Strategic Advisor – Global Inclusion & Diversity at Accenture)
Contact Us
Get in touch fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
bottom of page