Understanding Poverty and Disabilities Together

Part I – Poverty Simulation: The Community Action Poverty Simulation allows participants to step into the shoes of low-income family members managing limited budgets. The exercise begins with an informative session about individuals and families living at or near the poverty line. This simulation vividly illustrates the significant time and energy these families must expend simply to survive each day. The activity concludes with a guided discussion, providing an opportunity for participants to reflect on their reactions, emotions, and insights gained from the experience.

Part II – The Intersection of Poverty and Disability: Insights and Reflective Practices
This training session aims to offer participants a thorough understanding of the intersection of poverty and disability. It will delve into the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities living in poverty, including mental health issues and barriers to accessing essential services. This session will incorporate reflective practices that build on the insights gained from the morning’s poverty simulation.
Objectives
1. Participants will develop an understanding of the daily experiences and challenges that families living in poverty face.
2. Participants will leave the training with a deeper empathy for individuals facing the dual challenges of poverty and disability.
3. Participants will have a better understanding of the systemic issues involved.
4. Participants will learn how self-reflective work can enhance their ability to connect with families with disabilities.