Content for Harkin Belfast is categorised under six themes. Delegates have total control in selecting their personal programme, and can follow one theme or mix and match.
| Nurturing the next generation of Disabled Innovators Despite an abundance of barriers, disabled people globally have demonstrated, time and time again their ability to lead as entrepreneurs and innovators. But how do we ensure that we encourage, identify and nurture more high growth disabled led start-ups? This theme creates a platform to celebrate and showcase the impact of entrepreneurship and philanthropy by and for disabled people, and asks the question of how could we better tap into this wealth of innovation? |
| Say THE word!: Mainstreaming Disability in the Diversity and Inclusion Agenda Diversity and inclusion is no longer a niche market. More and more, organisations have recognised the value of employing those with disabilities, and the impact it has on their workforce and skills, corporate profile, customer base, perspectives and idea generation. This theme will explore the growing mainstreaming of disability within diversity and inclusion agendas, beyond the confines of corporate social responsibility, leveraging the global equity opportunity this direction brings. It will also provide a platform to discuss and address the diversity and many inter-sectional identities within the disability community itself. |
| How can Government get it right? The levers of policy, practice and legislation are recognised as tools to achieve societal change – but are they effecting meaningful change for Disabled People? This theme will explore areas where lasting change has been achieved, where change is on the horizon, and create space to constructively challenge where more needs to be done. |
| Innovating through a Pandemic: New Opportunities The Covid Pandemic represents one of the greatest shifts in global working practice in recent memory. The disproportionate impact of the emergency on disabled people has been profound and harrowing. Despite this, disabled people and their organisations have once again – risen, innovated and led in response. What are the new opportunities now arising? This theme will showcase how organisations and activists have innovated during the pandemic to build in greater workforce inclusivity and accessibility which is now a mainstay - sharing lessons learned and best practice so that we can all benefit from this shift. |
| Still Taboo: Disability in Media, Communications and Corporate Imagery The negative framing of disabled people by society is an age old issue. This has had a profound impact on how disabled people are perceived in the workplace and elsewhere. We are now at a global turning point – as a vibrant, diverse and talented community just like any other, disabled people are taking charge of their own image. More than just a picture in a glossy corporate booklet, this theme will highlight best practice examples of partnership working with disabled people as individuals, as a community, as members of the global workforce, that project a more powerful and accurate picture of who they really are. |
| Data that drives change Lasting success is often built on a foundation of data and insightful analysis. By knowing more, we can be more precise and targeted in who and how we support. This theme will highlight where data and research insights have shaped change, and provides a platform for cutting edge research and discussion that will shape our future action. |