Inclusion

The world we live in is definitely diverse, However it is far from inclusive. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is that people truly do not understand what Inclusion is.

According to the dictionary Inclusion means: The action or state of being included, in a group or structure, or the practice or policy of providing access to  equal opportunities and resources for people who may be otherwise excluded or marginalized.

For me Inclusion means that everyone despite their background, race,  religion,  gender, sexual orientation , or ability are fully accepted just as they are, and are included despite their differences. I imagine it as a party, and everyone there has   a seat , and a voice at a table where their thoughts, ideas, and views are welcomed to ensure that they feel heard, seen, and valued just as they are.

Candid Conversations

When it comes to Diversity and inclusion we all have different lived experiences, and we may not truly understand another’s experience. This is why it is important for us to have candid conversations to learn from each other, but it is important to approach these conversations from a place of curiosity and respect. There is no place for judgement, just an openness to listen and hear what the other person is sharing, Too many times we hear platitudes and generalizations to sugar-coats the reality that we all have unconscious biases, but this does not mean that we cannot try to educate ourselves and look at situations from another perspective. It is only when we have these candid conversations that we can start to implement change

Focus on Abilities

How many times have you seen a person with a disability and seen the wheelchair, the white came, or service animal?? Too many times people with disabilities are seen as the disability, and not as a person or r for their abilities. Whether it is from personal or societal beliefs the bias and stereotypes that people with disabilities are less than or can not do has clouded the reality that most individuals with disabilities have so many gifts, talents, and abilities if only they were permitted to showcase them. Ideally these individuals would have endless opportunities to demonstrate their abilities at work, school, and in the community whenever they liked, but until we change the narrative and focus on people’s abilities this   will never happen.. When individuals focus on the disability it limits people from doing what they love or trying new things because we come into it from a place of fear or the fears and limits of others. When we focus on our abilities and look at our disability as an after thought or as an addition we become fearless, and embrace the possibilities, Imagine if we take this approach, and show the world what we are capable of, they will need to change their perspectives and also focus on our abilities. Now this will not happen over night it is something we need to implement at a young age and practice, to share and showcase our abilities in turn changing the narrative.

Accessibility

What does it mean to you?

The actual definition is: The quality of being able to be reached or entered

The reality is that Accessibility means something different to everyone. I often get frustrated when people don’t understand when I say it is not accessible, but the truth is unless someone has been faced with the same barrier as you they may not truly understand.

Accessibility is not only having a ramp to enter a business It can also be related to websites, forms/documents, and even wayfinding how someone who is blind can navigate the community. Yes there are standards and guidelines to get us on the right track, but until we consider everyone; s lived experience we may never be truly accessible for all, important to ask questions, and try to put yourself in other people’s situations, and for heaven’s sake if someone tells you it is not accessible understand them, and ask how can I assist?

Language

The impact the of the words we choose to use is far more reaching than we can ever imagine. Add to the mix that everyday language evolves on a regular basis. The language we use when talking about diversity and inclusion is vital, and it is our responsibility to keep up to date with ever changing lingo. Now we know that we will never please everyone and there are many debates on the language we use when talking with different groups of people. The word disability is controversial for many, but seems to be what the government and educators are currently using. However, there are many individuals from this community that can’t stand it. The same I found in the debate of people first language. The key to keeping up with this discussion is to talk with people and ask how they identify. Once you understand the language they use you can adjust accordingly. There will definitely always be absolutely no knows to steer clear of, and you may not always get it right, but by making an effort to try to earn the right words to use in each situation will help us all learn and grow together. After all no one is perfect.

Ableism

These are examples of Ableism:

• Using the accessible bathroom stall when you are able to use the regular one without pain or injury
• Selecting a venue that is not accessible for an event that will exclude people from attending
• Wearing scented products in a scent free environment
• Assuming that a person with a disability cannot communicate with you. Always speak to the person. If they require assistance they will let you know.

How can we stop Ableism?

1. Learn about Ableism
2. Hire people with disabilities
3. 3.Follow disability activists on social media
4. 4.Push for greater accessibility
5. 5.Dont use ableist labels and expressions words matter.

Many people don’t even know what Ableism is: The discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that they are less than. Discrimination in favors of able-bodied people.

Barriers to Employment

Did you know that approximately 22% of the population of Canada aged 15 and older had one or more disability?  As the population ages this number will increase, and of this percentage there is still 59% of these individuals who are unemployed. The reason for this is the barriers to employment that we still face today including……

There are many more, but what we need to do is find solutions to help create an inclusive workforce in all sectors.

Here are some suggestions and efforts currently being made.

1. Legislation including the Accessible Canada Act, and AODA standards
2. Providing information and training for all companies and employees from the top down on topics such as Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Accessibility, and Accommodations
3. Create An inclusive culture with representation of all marginalized groups 
4. Accessibility & EDI plans, policies, and standards 
5. Opportunities for open respectful conversations between management and employees with disabilities to understand accommodations

The tricky part that many find is once solutions are found is continuing to have them implemented and maintained long-term. This is where hiring people with disabilities and other marginalized groups is important as they live this experience daily and they will help keep it as a [priority, and once businesses understand how Accessibility and inclusion impacts their bottom line they will also keep it at the forefront, because after all making money is their goal.

Disability around the Globe

Did you know that there are 1 billion people across the globe with disabilities? According to the WHO World Health Organization, this demographic has over a half a trillion-dollar spending power. This is why it makes good business sense for businesses across the globe to make Accessibility and inclusion a priority. Companies that have an accessible online presence are more likely to generate business if their platforms are user friendly to purchase items or access information and services. Similarly, companies that hire individuals with disabilities are more likely to have customers with disabilities and their support networks shop with them tapping into that untapped pool of income. So why is it that companies across the globe are not jumping on this and making Accessibility a priority? Many businesses see the importance but feel it is something they can work towards as they feel their priority is upgrading their products to sell more, and feel that the number of customers with disabilities is small so this element can wait. What they do not realize is that the number is small because they are not accessible. As the population ages, accessibility will help us all.

The Importance of Understanding The Different Styles of Learning

What is your learning style?

Each of us are unique and have different gifts, talents, and abilities. Whether you have a disability or not, understanding the different styles of learning will help us not only in our own lives, but in the workplace, and community.

The visual learner: Is someone who learns by seeing things for example by reading, looking at graphs or images to help comprehend the subject. Some people benefit from taking notes to refer back to or to help digest the information.

Auditory learner: This learner learns by listening, and by verbalizing what they have learned. They need to sit close to hear what they are trying to hear to ensure clarity. Some learners may record content to review at a later date.

Kinesthetic Learners. This is where learners learn by doing physical activities to process the information. These learners learn by doing tasks and physically comprehending how it works in their world.

As an educator it is essential to understand these styles and ensure my lessons all have different elements to meet the needs of all the students. Similarly, if you are giving a presentation in a corporate environment it is important to have all elements involved as you never know who is in your audience. For example, you can have a power point presentation, verbally share the information, and have an activity for the audience to do that has them move or practice what you are covering. As an individual it is important to understand your style to ensure you are getting what you need to be successful. Too many times people are left behind only because their learning style was not addressed. What is your learning style? How can you utilize the different styles in your life?

The Power of Connection

Do you remember when you were in Elementary school and the teachers would teach by reciting their lessons for hours on end with a limited time at the end for a few questions.

Over the years the teaching profession has evolved and understood the importance of integrating activities, discussions, and connection. Why is it then that still today in many meetings in both the corporate and not for profit companies that people still utilize the talking at you” strategy? Sure, there are many who have expertise in an area that others do not, and yes it may save time so that the meetings are not too log, but what some leaders are missing is the impact this style has on employees, volunteers, and members. One thing that has become evident after the pandemic is that people are missing human connection. Whether that is in person or online they want to feel heard, seen, and valued.

So how can we ensure that we are connecting with people in our Personal and professional lives?

Here are some ideas and tips you may want to consider:

I know that these may seem obvious to some, but we have somehow gotten away from the practice and Power of Connection. I encourage everyone to try these out, and let’s start a conversation to hear how you connect with others both in work  and beyond.

The Art of Motivating Others

What motivates you? Are you someone who is focused on setting and achieving goals? Or do you love the limelight?

Each of us is motivated differently, and it is important to understand all motivators when working with a team to help everyone stay on track, and achieve the common goal.

Motivation encourages the growth and forward movement of an organization, It group, idea It is important to get to know the members of your team what their expertise is and what motivates them. This will help you as a leader in the way you share and propose tasks.

Here are the top motivators for people, although there are others:

• Recognition-People like to be Recognized for their contributions
• Achievement-Members are motivated to accomplish goals, tasks, and big achievements
• Status-Members are motivated to reach a position or level of influence
• Affiliation-Motivated to be a part of a larger group that will make an impact.

Now that we understand what motivates others, how can we motivate them? Here are a few examples, but it is important to tailor them to the individual and situation.

How to motivate:

• Create a sense of Belonging
• Involve members in part of the decision-making process
• Delegate reasonable tasks to keep people engaged
• Transparency-Always be transparent on the steps of progress
• Give uplifting feedback
• Reward positive behaviour-in public or person

The Importance of An Accessibility Plan

In 2005, The Accessibility  for Ontarians with disabilities Act introduced  the need for Accessibility policies and plans for businesses with 50 or more employees. This started to reshape the landscape of employment across the province, and since then many changes have occurred. But the importance of an Accessibility policy and plan remain the same. An Accessibility policy will help identify an organization’s commitment  to reaching its Accessibility goals. All companies must have the policy in writing, and must be willing to share with the public. You will see many companies include this on their websites. Accessibility Plan works with the policy outlining the steps the company will take to prevent, and remove barriers to employment and when these will be achieved by. This policy and plan will help employees understand the culture of their company, and will provide them training on providing Accessible customer service. It is also like a roadmap for management to ensure that all areas are compliant and fulfilled by their deadlines .Plans are multi-year and should be updated every five years and posted on your website.

Benefits:

• Assist your organization in becoming inclusive and diverse
• Strengthen how you interact  and provide goods and services to your customers and clients.
• Your organization will benefit from increased income as people with disabilities and their networks  are more likely to shop and work with Accessible companies.

As Accessibility evolves worldwide our plans will also need to reflect these changes so it is important to check your government sites for up-to-date templates and guidelines. If your company is lagging, please encourage them to get on board not only because it can cause them a fine, but also can cost them potential business.

 How Having An EDI Policy and Plan Will Change The Culture of Your Company

It is a proven fact that companies who are more diverse are more likely to have higher profits, as they represent the communities they serve, however companies that have an EDI policy and plan find that their company culture also evolves. The policy and plan help implement changes from the top down, and employees feel that now not only are their companies diverse, but they are slowly starting to become more inclusive. The pandemic demonstrated the importance of including all employees as they were all distanced , but employees are now also speaking up about feeling excluded. We must also remember that companies that create an inclusive environment have less turnover , more productivity, and more creativity to help the company come up with innovative ideas that will help generate sales, awareness and a feeling of pride in the work they do and in the company. As representation is seen at the Executive level, management and throughout will help increase morale, and a sense of belonging. With an EDI policy and plan they feel that they are part of a culture who sees, hears and values them, and that they can be a part of something they are proud of. Now with any plan it is always created with good intentions, but the key to success is ensuring the plan is carried out effectively. This is why hiring an EDI specialist will help bring the transformation to life.

Do You Have A Story To Share? The Impact Stories Have In Gaining Customers

Each of us has a story to tell, and in fact we share stories on a daily basis whether with friends and family or in a presentation at work or school to illustrate a point or concept. The reality is that sharing stories helps an audience connect with a message. This is why businesses can utilize storytelling in many different ways to reach different target audiences. For example, the impact of a product and service on different groups of people, or when an organization is trying to raise funds they will use a success story to pull at your heart strings to want to give to the cause. The trick to using stories effectively is to remember that you need a universal message and the stories are personal so you need to know who your target audience is and what stories they will relate to. This may involve market research and gathering stats and feedback, but always remember the five elements to an effective story.

1. Characters-Make them relatable
2. Setting-Paint an image they can visualize
3. Plot-Have an exciting plot that unfolds
4. Conflict-Every good story has a problem or conflict
5. Climax-What is the change that happens that helps resolve the conflict
6. Each business has a product or service that our customers need so by sharing a story of how it will benefit or impact them you will draw more customers in.