Making changes to meeting spaces and activities is important to ensure everyone can enjoy being part of their Young Farmers’ Club.
YFCs are required by law to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees and members. YFCs will be in breach of the Equality Act if they fail to make reasonable adjustments to alleviate disadvantages caused by a disability. Someone does not need a formal diagnosis to request reasonable adjustments either.
It means YFCs should work hard to ensure they create inclusive meetings and activities, where everyone feels they can belong.
It’s important for club committees to review how we do things. If you find there are barriers for members with disabilities consider how to make changes.
Work with local or national organisations, agencies including social care or educational establishments, parents, family and carers for help and to ensure that all reasonable adjustments have been made to enable young people to join and participate.
Most importantly, speak to the person with the disability to understand what they need – use NFYFC’s Additional Needs Support Plan to work through with the member and their parent/carer, where appropriate.
Faith, a young member from Derbyshire, has worked with NFYFC to develop new leaflets and a presentation to help club officers understand how to include everyone.
All adjustments should follow our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging policy (EDIB) and Safeguarding policy.
It is up to the club committee to choose a suitable venue in the first instance that meets the needs of all members and volunteers. Ask yourselves:
In most cases, we understand YFCs will not be using their own buildings, so you may need to discuss any necessary changes with the venue owner.
Always speak to the member (and a parent/carer, where appropriate) about their needs, and what reasonable adjustments they might need to take part in an activity.
