Information Exchange Workshop - June 2005
Aim of the workshops:
- share ideas and thoughts
- look at publicity & marketing
- look at specific information tools & resources
The main theme of the June meeting was publicity & marketing, but the meeting began with a presentation on DissBASE.
DissBASE
The DISS team are currently devising a ‘roadmap’ to plan for the future
development of DissBASE including: designing a new front end to update its
appearance, and allow graphics, audio and video clips to be included.
Marketing & Publicity Workshop
Workshop participants included representatives from DATA, DAISE, NWSADP,
DAIRS, DICE and the Disability Officer from Elmbridge Council.
Challenges for disability information services
We discussed the main difficulties faced by voluntary organisations working
in the disability field, in getting our message across:
- Potential audience is the whole population
- The definition of disability is very broad
- Some people we seek to reach may not view themselves as disabled
- Need to provide information in different formats
- Limited budget for publicity
Discussion on logos and leaflets
A strong name and visual image can be key to getting an organisation known.
Logos need to be uncomplicated, have good contrast and convey a message.
Using one colour can be effective (as well as cheaper).
Leaflets should limit the amount of information given & use bullet points. Credit card sized leaflets are useful to keep in purses and wallets, while A5 leaflets can be kept by the phone for easy reference.
The group’s next step is to produce a joint leaflet and website for disability information providers across Surrey.
Future Meetings
The next workshop will be in September, and the November meeting will take
the form of a Disability Information Fair - Watch this space!.