A new Easy Read guide is helping artists with low literacy or intellectual disability to develop their leadership skills.
Created by University of Queensland researchers with Down syndrome, the Creating Out Loud peer-coaching program is designed to help artists and art workers expand networks and support each other in a group creative coaching program.
The new Easy Read version was created as an extension of research conducted by Dr Kate Power from UQ’s School of Business in partnership with Professor Rhonda Faragher and Dr Janette Lloyd from UQ’s School of Education.
Development of the resource was undertaken with a team of researchers with Down syndrome who are part of UQ’s Down Syndrome Research Program.
Inviting conversations
Dr Power said the new guides are designed to make complex ideas easier to understand without compromising the depth and value of the discussions by using plain language and visual explainers.
“Art is for everyone and so is leadership,” she said.
“This expansion is a meaningful step toward making creative leadership development more inclusive across the sector. By making these guides accessible in Easy Read, we’re inviting more artists into conversations that can shape their careers and strengthen their communities.”
An inclusive trial
The Easy Read guides were trialed by female First Nations artists with a preference for oral learning from across Far North Queensland in partnership with the Regional Arts Services Network in Cairns.
It was also used and elevated by artists living with disability in partnership with Crossroad Arts in Mackay.
Professor Faragher said not everyone learns in the same way and the Easy Read guides levelled the playing field and made creative leadership more accessible.
“Easy Read isn’t about simplifying ideas. It’s about making space for different ways of understanding,” Professor Faragher said.
“Pictures aren’t just decoration, they do real work to support the message, step-by-step. We’ve already received wonderful feedback from participants who said the program boosted their confidence and helped them develop skills they’re excited to use in their careers.”
The Easy Read guides are now freely available as part of the Creating Out Loud Discussion Guide Library.