About Community Learning

Community Learning at HeakeSpeak will focus on Accessible Literacy and Community Resilience, centering inclusive community preparedness, response, and recovery.

We provide educational resources and workshops that enhance digital and traditional literacy. By integrating accessibility with resilience strategies, we help communities build their capacity to withstand and recover from disruptions, fostering long-term sustainability and strength.

At present, we are exploring several Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Google Classroom, Docebo, and Canvas. The key factors behind choosing one of these platforms are the degree of accessibility and support from the vendor.

The tentative course offerings are as follows:

1. Digital Inclusion and Literacy
   
   Objective: Empower community members with skills to navigate digital platforms and ensure digital accessibility for all.
   
   • Introduction to Digital Inclusion and barriers
   • Basic digital skills and safe internet use
   • Overview and use of assistive technologies
   • Creating accessible digital content
   • Strategies for improving digital literacy

2. Inclusive Design Thinking
   
   Objective: Apply inclusive design principles across various fields to ensure accessibility.
   
   • Introduction to inclusive design and principles
   • Applying principles in architecture, urban planning, and digital media
   • Hands-on activities and case studies
   • Collaboration and feedback from diverse stakeholders
   • Strategies for implementing inclusive design in community projects

3. Cultural Competency and Awareness
   
   Objective: Enhance understanding of diverse cultures and their impact on accessibility.
   
   • Introduction to cultural competency and diversity
   • Cultural influences on accessibility and communication
   • Workshops on cultural awareness and overcoming biases
   • Culturally competent communication strategies
   • Best practices for incorporating cultural competency

4. Crisis Communication Strategies
   
   Objective: Equip community members to communicate effectively during emergencies with accessible strategies.
   
   • Importance of clear communication during crises
   • Accessible tools and techniques
   • Developing inclusive crisis communication plans
   • Hands-on training and scenario-based exercises
   • Evaluating and improving communication strategies

5. Advocacy and Policy Education
   
   Objective: Empower community members to advocate for inclusive policies.
   
   • Introduction to advocacy, policy-making, and key legislation
   • Building effective advocacy skills and mobilizing support
   • Engaging with policymakers and writing policy briefs
   • Creating a community advocacy plan

6. Community Engagement and Participation
   
   Objective: Facilitate active participation of marginalized groups in local decision-making.
   
   • Introduction to community engagement and barriers
   • Inclusive engagement strategies and tools
   • Building leadership and participation skills
   • Facilitating inclusive decision-making processes
   • Sustaining long-term engagement

7. Sustainable Living and Accessibility
   
   Objective: Promote accessible and sustainable living practices.
   
   • Introduction to sustainability and its connection to accessibility
   • Principles of accessible sustainability in design and public spaces
   • Sustainable practices adapted for individuals with disabilities
   • Community-based sustainable projects
   • Advocacy for accessible sustainability initiatives

8. Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
   
   Objective: Provide training for disaster preparedness with an inclusive approach.
   
   • Introduction to disaster risks and preparedness
   • Developing inclusive preparedness plans and engaging communities
   • Building resilience in vulnerable populations
   • Implementing accessible communication and evacuation plans
   • Assessing and improving preparedness initiatives