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Ingate, Tom (2024) Visualising inclusivity in the workplace: Managing diverse methods to promote inclusion and impact of participatory photography. In: Photovoice: Aiming for Impact - The 2024 Virtual Conference, OCTOBER 16-19, 2024, Online Conference hosted in North America.
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Ingate_Visualising_inclusivity_in_the_workplace_Disability_and_health_justice_PhotovoiceConference.pdf - Published Version Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (4MB) | Preview |
Abstract / Summary
Background: There have been many studies of large employers into disability, chronic conditions and an ageing workforce but few studies of small and medium sized businesses. This study was part of a wider investigation by faculty staff, charities and support groups investigating the experience of employees, business owners and self-employed workers. The aim was to find out about their experiences of disability, chronic conditions, ageing and neurodiversity in the workplace with particular focus on the feasibility of reasonable adjustments, support from local government, and identifying self-developed coping strategies.
Methods: Eight participants volunteered from a wider study conducted by the partner organisation. This group included adults with a range of conditions including Dyslexia, Fibromyalgia, ADHD, Multiple Sclerosis, Autism, Visual Impairments and Type 1 Diabetes. The photovoice method was adapted to each of the participants through ongoing negotiation which enabled flexibility of approach and outcome. A developed understanding of private and public audiences became an essential guide in these negotiations, which enabled a coherent outcome across the study. Methods included sourcing images from family archives. Using cameras without touch screens for participants with visual impairments. Using the visual language of documentary photography and more abstract practices to inform development of story.
Results and Implications: The study was conducted throughout the Covid 19 lockdowns which added to the complexity of the project however the flexible approach to developing inclusive methods enabled the work to continue. Beyond the initial scope of the study the outcomes also provide insight into inequalities in working from home, access to health care and implications for key workers with hidden condition
Participants were not always aware of the micro strategies they had developed to succeed in the workplace until seeing these strategies in their own photographs. The image became the site of reflection and self-awareness, which evolved into recognition of the intersection between self-developed strategies and formal reasonable adjustments.
This study was part of a larger university investigation therefore benefitted from the conference and exhibition with business leaders, local government, academics, charities and support groups. A secondary audience was reached through the use of social media that led to further publishing opportunities. To reinforce the initial impact a print edition of the online zine will be distributed to business groups and local government on the anniversary of the conference. This multiplatform longitudinal approach helped increase impact and reinforce collaboration, enabling networks across traditional and social media where participant photographers are the makers, owners and publishers of their stories.
Of the eight participants that volunteered only five completed the project. Two of the three that were unable to complete were both middle aged women that had caring responsibilities for adult children and aging parents. Their insights are absent from this study and should be the focus of future work.
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Poster) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | inclusive practice, negotiated methods, Covid 19 |
| Subjects: | Health Photography |
| Department: | Institute of Photography |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | Tom Ingate |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Oct 2025 09:42 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Oct 2025 09:42 |
| URI: | https://repository.falmouth.ac.uk/id/eprint/6200 |
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