Involving people from seldom heard and marginalised groups has never been easy, and whether you want to consult, involve, engage or co-produce with service users, recognising the barriers standing in the way, and being committed to 
tackling them, will help you to both engage more people and make the experience more positive for them, increasing the possibility of their participation in the future.
One thing that may help you to do this is the My Involvement Profile. It was designed by Disabled people and based on research from Shaping Our Lives where deaf and Disabled people told them that they don’t always record their support requirements, and don’t always have their access requirements met.
The Profile is a simple, free template form, which comes with help notes if needed, where participants can record access and support requirements, and their involvement experiences and interests.
Using this template, developed by a user-led Disabled People’s Organisation, would show those who lack confidence about asking for support that you value their requests and take the process seriously.
The My Involvement Profile also comes in an Easy Read version.
Use the My Involvement Profile
Shaping Our Lives are a non-profit, user-led organisation working for the inclusive involvement of Disabled people and people from other seldom heard groups.