Inclusion and belonging of individuals with disabilities goes beyond physical accessibility or legal mandates. It is about building a culture of respect, understanding, and opportunity for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Each of us committing to spread awareness can positively impact individuals, communities, workplaces, and society at large.
Understanding Disability Inclusion and Belonging:
Disability inclusion refers to the intentional and systematic effort to integrate people with disabilities into education, employment, health care, and community participation. It includes removal of barriers that prevent individuals from fully engaging and contributing. It means recognizing the diversity of experiences and needs and creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, understood, and welcomed as an equal participant. A person may have access to a building or an event, but if they don’t feel comfortable or valued, their experience of inclusion is incomplete. Belonging means individuals with disabilities are not just "included" as a policy or compliance issue, they are seen and heard, and their contributions matter within the community or organization.
Three reasons why sharing awareness of disability inclusion matters:
- Breaks down stigma and stereotypes
- Encourages empathy and understanding
- Promotes social change and encourages opportunity
Three ways to promote awareness of disability inclusion:
1, Education and Advocacy
Educational programs in schools, workplaces, and community centers can play a role in spreading awareness about disability inclusion. Training staff to recognize their biases, teaching students about disability history, incorporating inclusive environments and varied learning strategies that support a variety of needs, and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities
2. Include Voices of those with Disabilities
Find ways to include people with disabilities and their families to share their own stories and experiences. They are the experts in their lives and the most powerful advocates for disability inclusion. Whether through blogs, podcasts, social media, or public speaking, this voice is an important step in promoting understanding.
3. Collaborate with Disability Related Organizations
Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups dedicated to disability rights are allies on the path of inclusion. Partnering with these organizations for events, campaigns, and initiatives can help spread knowledge, provide resources, and build connections across communities.
We all play an important part in this effort! Through my role in School Health, I have had the opportunity to co-present and participate at exhibitor tables and share a variety of experiences and perspectives through the Access Angle blog. In addition, I’ve been invited to speak at various conferences, meetings, and have participated in committees and groups with adults and students.
I was recently invited to speak at a countywide Inclusion Academy through Supporting Inclusive Practices and the Sacramento County Office of Education, focused on Intentional Design of System-Wide Inclusive Cultures, Policies, and Practices. Over 80 participants, from over 14 school districts, spent the day together learning more about how to collectively increase inclusive experiences for students in their organizations. I was invited as a guest speaker to share my experience of inclusion through the educational system and accessing supports and services as someone who grew up in Sacramento County. I provided examples of my time in the infant program through high school graduation, as well as in the community. I really enjoy sharing my experience and helping others to gain a different perspective of what is possible and creating awareness about challenges I’ve encountered. Encouraging others to do their best and reminding people we all play an important role in this effort is worth repeating. I honestly think that some of the best connections and examples of expanding awareness and acceptance have been made just by going and doing regular things out in my community. People are not always sure what to say when I roll up in my wheelchair, but breaking the ice with a “hello” reminds people we are more alike than different, as they say.
Inclusion is not just about creating space; it’s about creating a culture of respect, empathy, and belonging that empowers individuals with and without disabilities. Through continuous efforts to bring awareness to disability inclusion and belonging, inclusion will become the social norm, commonplace, and second nature.
Let us know: Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to read more of these types of articles? Do you have a topic you would like to see highlighted? Contact me through email at gryan@scoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve used information from the SchoolHealth Access Angle segments.
