Steps that Lead to a More Inclusive Society for Individuals with Disabilities

There are many ideas and approaches on how to create an inclusive society.  Even finding a single outline that clearly highlights the core principles of inclusive settings can be challenging. Since there are many different views and definitions, the outcomes for inclusive settings vary and are often skewed.  Like many special needs moms, I want the world to be more accepting, understanding, and of course, welcome my son and others like him as a valued and equal member of our society. But, what does that world look like?

Let’s first establish the definition of an inclusive society

If we want to create an inclusive society, we first need a clear understanding of what that means to us. An inclusive society ensures all individuals are rightful participants as equal members of their community - regardless of their gender, religion, disability, race, sexual orientation, age, and economic status.
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An important conversation needs to take place about how this translates to us as a society. Inclusion is a hot topic, but I believe we need to start talking about what’s working, what isn’t working, and what needs to be done. 

Building the Framework for an Inclusive Society

I’ll be honest, I don’t know of an existing inclusive community that serves as a great model for having a framework in place. 

​However, we know it when we see inclusion being successfully practiced in some classrooms or community programs.  

​School-wide Integrated Inclusion – I’ve seen some schools do some phenomenal things for creating inclusive learning settings. They make sure all programs work together, complement each other, and support the school’s goal. Schools that are successful at this have the following programs running strong with fidelity:

1. Differentiated Instruction – teaching to the needs of each student’s learning style
2. Universal Design Learning System – tools that provide all children equal access to learning.
3. Bullying Prevention – enforcing a sound plan that makes all children feel safe and accountable.
4. Parent Involvement – creating a welcoming climate for parents to be meaningfully involved in all decision-making processes and school activities.  
5. Positive Behavior Support Plan – creating a positive learning atmosphere with a sound plan for rewarding good behavior, addressing challenging behavior, and teaching new skills. 

Social Inclusion – We’ve all seen some examples of this demonstrated in community experiences, such as, AMC Theaters. They started the Sensory Friendly Films program, which is wonderful because many of us are finally able to enjoy going to the movies without having to deal with the cruel actions of others. Still, is it perfect? No, we still have to follow a limited calendared schedule - but we’ll take it and love it.   The great thing is, it’s catching on. Many theaters all over the country and world are following their lead.  So, what are we saying? To consider the following things needed for social inclusion:

1. Access: Many other businesses are realizing the value of cashing in on a market that’s been grossly neglected for – well forever. The disability community is a paying community. Individuals with disabilities are people with as much buying and spending power as anyone else. So, in short, ensuring that all individuals with disabilities have equal access (transportation, accessibility, sensitivity, etc.) to participate in their community is key for legislative progress, neighborhood improvement and a flourishing economy.
2. Eliminating Inequality in Public Policy – we need to see improved representation of individuals with disabilities in higher roles of the political and legislative process (panel discussions, boards, councils, task forces, presidential cabinet, etc.).  There should be representation in all aspects of our legal system at the local, statewide, and national levels.  This would quickly help to address the many existing barriers that prevent members of the disability community from being active and meaningful participants of their community.
3. ​Increasing Visibility – I mentioned the need for representation on political platforms, but what about mainstream society? I love that we see more and more representation of individuals with various disabilities on television shows, in movies, beauty pageants, and across all social media outlets. But we can’t allow this to be a “now” trend that fizzles out over time. Awareness and education is best shared through social and televised networking media channels. 

Inclusive Workforce – Historically, unemployment rates for individuals with disabilities have always been higher than individuals without. Offering full employment opportunities to all individuals with disabilities is key for social inclusion. When individuals with disabilities become employed, they become key players in the economic progression of their community.  When done right, an inclusive workforce embraces diversity and enforces equality.

1. ​Eliminating Barriers to Job Markets – Companies that have mastered the art of leveraging the skills of potential and current employees with disabilities for company profits are enjoying their decision to expand and increase the number of individuals with disabilities as their employees. But that’s not all, they’re making serious money and they get to reap the benefits of tax incentives to boot.
2. Creating a Zero Tolerance Policy for Discrimination - Turnover is common in the workplace and an organization that believes in adopting a plan for continuous improvement is a company that believes in vigorous, routine training for its employees. Having a system in place for developing a mindset for acceptance, sensitivity, and inclusion for all employees makes for a working climate all employees wish to be part of. 

So, how do we create an inclusive society? It is a global responsibility, we are all accountable for making this incredible effort possible. We are all stakeholders of our society.  If we all maintain an inclusion-driven belief system, we can change and improve our systems, break down the exclusion barriers until we all can see that the steps we’ve taken for creating an inclusive society is taking effect.  The steps we’ve taken to make the world a better place is worth the hard work and sacrifice because the ones we love are worth it.  

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