The importance of inclusion can’t be overstated. From social gatherings to clothing, being as inclusive as possible should always be the goal. But let’s look at disability inclusion in particular. We can see how much of an impact it can make on a person with a disability to feel supported throughout every aspect of their day-to-day life.
Disability inclusion should be a priority for every facet of a person’s life. It should be considered in everything from workplace opportunities to healthcare coverage. By learning about what disability inclusion truly means, and how it can be incorporated into everyday life, you’ll be able to see the positive impact that it can have on your community as a whole.
Defining disability inclusion
Let’s start by talking about what disability inclusion refers to. Disability inclusion means that people with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as people without disabilities. It also encourages equal treatment and respect for people living with disabilities, without discrimination. The goal of disability inclusion is to make sure that people with disabilities are able to take advantage of every opportunity that they can. This can include everything from successful professional endeavors to participating in community events.
Disability inclusion doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges and differences of a person with a disability. It means accepting them and not seeing those differences as a reason that the person can’t do something. It also means making accommodations when possible.
Disability inclusion is essential in every aspect of a person’s life, including:
- Healthcare access and insurance coverage
- Educational and workplace opportunities
- Accessible transportation and environments
- Enjoyment of entertainment
- Community living and engagement
A large aspect of disability inclusion is removing barriers that can interfere with a person’s full participation in something due to their disability. Here are the types of barriers that can interfere with disability inclusion, along with examples:
- Physical barriers — Stairs, narrow doorways or inaccessible entrances
- Social barriers — Prejudice or pity from people without disabilities
- Institutional barriers — Laws or guidelines that unfairly restrict opportunities
- Communication barriers — Lack of braille or an interpreter for visual or auditory impairments, respectively
How disability inclusion can be incorporated into everyday life
It’s important to learn about the efforts that can make a difference in a person’s day-to-day life when they have a disability. There are many examples of disability inclusion that should be implemented whenever possible. Some refer to long-term projects or initiatives that can have continuous benefits in the future. Others are simple changes or courtesies that a person can make when talking to a person with a disability.
Here are a few ways that disability inclusion can be implemented day to day based on different aspects of a person’s life:
- Workplace disability inclusion
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- Sensitivity training for all employees for long-term inclusion efforts
- Health and wellness support with disability-inclusive services
- Accommodations for job responsibilities, such as assistive technology
- Community disability inclusion
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- Including people with disabilities in community efforts
- Having an ASL interpreter at community functions
- Improving facility accessibility, such as a wheelchair ramp
- Social disability inclusion
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- Asking a person with a disability how they want to be identified, such as using people-first language
- Being polite when offering assistance and being understanding if the person declines
- Not making assumptions about a person’s capabilities
It’s also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible or able to be perceived by others. That’s why inclusion should be a priority — because everyone matters, and their challenges shouldn’t be dismissed.
Ability KC can help you integrate disability inclusion into your everyday life
When you or a loved one has a disability, you often take on the role of being an advocate during everyday challenges. However, taking on disability inclusion on your own can seem overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we’re here to help share the responsibility and guide you through the best practices.
At Ability KC, we help our patients with disability inclusion in a variety of ways. A few examples include assistive technology and employment services. Social work also plays a large role in all of our rehabilitation services. We want to make reintegration into everyday living as smooth and effective as possible following rehab. Our goal is to help people with disabilities thrive in everyday life by learning how to work with their challenges, not against them.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF). We also have Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.