Case Studies
Celebrating and sharing our wins!
We value the diverse range of projects and partners we get to work with across the arts and culture, screen, government, and not-for-profit industries. We've shared some of the projects we've been involved in below.
Arts Centre Melbourne
Disability, Equity and Inclusion Plan (DEIP), 2023-24
Objective
Lead the consultation and implementation of Art Centre Melbourne’s Disability, Equity and Inclusion Plan, supporting diverse teams to develop actions that are practical and achievable across a four year period.
I worked with Morwenna and Frances on Arts Centre Melbourne’s first comprehensive Disability, Equity & Inclusion Plan, and I was in safe hands throughout the process. They mapped out the consultation process, led it with curiosity and respect, and collated the results into a wide set of action items that would answer our community’s needs. They stretched us gently and I am so grateful for their guidance and support.
Telia Nevile, Inclusion Coordinator, Arts Centre Melbourne
Image Description: The Arts Centre Melbourne Spire lit purple for International Day of People with Disability on 3 December – photo by Tom Blachford
Approach
Co-design workshop with DEIP Working Group- Desktop research- 15 hours of in-depth 1-1 and small group interviews- Staff focus group and drop-in sessions to feedback on barriers, gaps and ideas for the DEIP- Community survey to capture artists, audiences and other stakeholders feedback- 2 community focus groups with d/Deaf and disabled artists, contractors and audiences- Co-developed a series of actions against 4 key outcome areas for Art Centre Melbourne’s DEIP 2024-27.
Outcome
Accessibility continues to be a key focus within Art Centre Melbourne’s work, from providing access services (Auslan, Audio Description, Captioning and Relaxed Performance) across a variety of events, showcasing d/Deaf and disabled artists work through Alter State and mainstream programming, and committing to building staff competence and confidence.
There is work underway to update systems and processes internally to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for all staff, contractors, artists and volunteers, and future focused access work being done with Reimaging Arts Centre Melbourne.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Assistance Dog Change Management Project, 2023
Objective
Develop and implement a new Assistance Dogs Policy and guidelines to reduce barriers and streamline the whole-of-journey experience for visitors to Taronga Zoo with their Assistance Dogs.
“Working with Morwenna has been transformative for Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga). Morwenna’s expertise, dedication, and guidance has been instrumental in helping Taronga navigate a complex project, with a unique set of challenges to ensure we provide our guests who require assistance dogs an experience that is safe, inclusive and accessible.”
Elio Bombonato, Manager Wildlife Operations, Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Image Description: Morwenna on a site visit of Taronga Zoo with Assistance Dog Handlers and Jimmy the Giraffe
Approach
- Established an Assistance Dogs Project Working Group
- Review of current Assistance Dogs policy, guidelines and accessibility map
- Walk-through of the Zoo with Assistance Dog handlers to seek feedback
- Developed a report and refreshed guidelines
- Designed and delivered Assistance Dog Training workshop for all staff
Outcome
Taronga has introduced a two-staged approach to implementing their new Assistance Dog Policy.
They have reduced the notice period to 48 hours and introduced an annual online form for visitors with Assistance Dogs. They have upgraded their facilities and improved their accessibility map.
Taronga is committed to continual improvement, and is exploring options to become a Guide Dog training site, which will further support staff learning and desensitization for wildlife in their care.
Perth Festival
Disability Inclusion Action Plan, 2019
Objective
Develop Perth Festiva's first Disability Action Plan (available here), including ideas for the future from the disability community.
"Morwenna is highly sought after as one of Australia's leaders in advocacy for access and inclusion. She is a brilliant facilitator and her approach to her work as a consultant in this field is always passionately & carefully tailored to whom she is working with. I cannot recommend her more highly."
Anna Reece, Artistic Director Perth Festival
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Image Description: Perth Festival logo
Approach
- Review of all current systems/processes/programs
- Undertake qualitative and quantitative consultation methods
- Ensure feedback and ideas for the future were included from the disability community.
Outcome
Within the first year of this plan, Perth Festival established an external accessibility committee (consisting of community members, both disabled and allies) and a significant increase in the number of access bookings for the 2020 Festival.