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children, and people with disabilities will surprise you with their unique knowledge, wisdom, and
enthusiasm. If you are sensitive and attuned to their particular considerations, you will be better able to
facilitate the participation of the community as a whole.
Table 3: Considerations for typically under-represented community members
Group
Elders
Women
Children
People with
physical disabilities
People with
learning disabilities
People with
developmental
disabilities
B.
Unique Factors to Consider and Accommodate as a Facilitator
Physical constraints such as difficulty walking or traveling, hearing in crowds,
or seeing great distances
Level of energy and stamina for long processes such as workshops or data
collection
Level of literacy
Time and physical demands from domestic responsibilities (including caring
for children and parents, gathering and cooking food, cleaning the home)
Physical constraints such as pregnancy
Level of literacy
Communication style and level of confidence, particularly in the presence of
men or elders
Time and physical demands from school studies and exams, extra-curricular
activities, and domestic responsibilities
Limited understanding of historical context and more complex terminology
or issues
Short attention span
Physical constraints such as difficulty traveling or gaining access to
community spaces, especially if they have crutches or a wheelchair
Participation in certain activities may be impeded, depending on local
geography and weather patterns
Longer timeframes may be required to explain new concepts or tools
May have a preferred way of learning and communicating but may not
explicitly say so
May have difficulty keeping up with community discussions and activities and
may become easily frustrated
May require one-on-one attention and care
May be subjected to abuse or neglect due to lack of understanding amongst
family or other community members
FACILITATING A PROTOCOL PROCESS
There are many ways to facilitate a process of documenting, developing, and using a biocultural
community protocol. The overall approach and specific tools should be determined by the fundamental
considerations explored above in addition to others specific to the community. Whatever tools are used,
they should be presented in formats that are most appropriate for the community. The following subsections provide general guidance about key aspects of facilitating a protocol process. They are meant to
be adapted to the local situation and your skills and comfort levels as a facilitator.