Graphic Justice: Pictures Worth 1000 Words

Q&A with Professor Camilla Baasch Andersen (University of Western Australia) and Su-Hsien Lee (Co-CEO of WAiS)

To learn more about the project, we chatted with Professor Camilla Baasch Andersen and Su-Hsien Lee.

How did you get involved with the Western Australia’s Individualised Services?
Camilla: WAiS contacted me and my team as they had heard of our research and felt our approach to contracting would be perfect for their work in supporting the disabled to remain independent.

What prompted the creation of this resource?
Camilla: It was felt that there was a need to simplify and humanise contracts to allow disabled people to employ their own support workers in a friendly and transparent manner.

Talk us through the development process―how was it created?
Camilla: THAT requires a longer talk—it took nearly three years and we have written a number of academic articles about the lessons we learned re colours, silhouettes, associations and industry faux pas. But through three years of rigorous testing and consultations with focus groups, we believe we have created a resource which resonates with most of the users and makes the process of hiring support workers both easier and friendlier.

When was it launched? How did you feel on that day?
Camilla: We were both ecstatic … we have been overwhelmed with the positive reception, even to the point that we are inspiring visual law reform!

Su-Hsien: I think we launched the middle of last year? I felt relief and excitement!

How is the contract used in practice?
Camilla: As any contract would—except for its relational values which mean a stronger communication and collaboration in establishing the parameters of the employment relationship. It makes both parties talk to each other about expectations and values.

Su-Hsien: We give the sample contracts to people and families and providers who come to us looking for sample employment contracts between people and workers. Whether they have actually used them we have not tracked.

What future plans do you have for the use of these contracts? Are you going to create any more?
Camilla: We have created numerous of these visual contracts in comic book form, from the award-winning Aurecon employment contract to the latest banking terms and conditions. The Comic Contracting project just keeps gaining momentum, and we are super chuffed.