Ten Ways to Move Toward Inclusion

Ten Ways to Move Toward Inclusion  

Inclusion is a societal issue, and not an issue solely for people with disabilities. A person who lives with a disability cannot simply force him or herself to be included. Society must open up and welcome the person in. Inclusion begins with perception of the people we have segregated from the larger group. 

Here are the first ten steps toward creating an society that is inclusive of people with disabilities.

Refer to people who live with disabilities as individuals, or people with disabilities, rather than “disabled people” or “the disabled.” Expressing it secondary to the individual maintains their dignity as a person with many characteristics. Using phrases such as mentally retarded, mentally ill, insane, abnormal, or retarded only serves to deprive people of their individuality while strengthening stereotypes and prejudices.

Do not perceive people with intellectual disabilities as eternally childlike, dependent people, irresponsible or immature.

People with disabilities interact with all types of people, and not only other people with disabilities. Do not think of people with disabilities as lonely or isolated. 

People with disabilities maintain positive relationships with friends, family, and assistants. They do not all live with burden, inconvenience, and suffering, nor do the people around them.

People with disabilities live in society and participate in every aspect of life that people without disabilities do. They watch TV, make dinner, go to work, shop, hang out with friends, play golf, drive cars, buy houses, and are part of the population. 

Just as people without disabilities, people with disabilities need time to talk about their everyday events, jobs, relationships, hobbies and passions. There is no reason to exaggerate the accomplishments of people who live with disabilities. They are simply living their lives day-to-day like everybody else. Being part of society should not be lauded as an accomplishment and it takes credibility away from real accomplishments.

Don't focus on or glorify the parents of people with disabilities. This only deprives the person with a disability of his or her individuality.

People with disabilities are not ill. They do not have an infectious disease. They live with a disability, but they are not suffering from a disability. They are not afflicted with a disability. They are not victims.

People with disabilities are not unfortunate or less fortunate. The disability should not be a negative life-defining characteristic of the person. People with intellectual disabilities can be self-reliant in their daily lives, and can demonstrate their individuality and autonomy.

People who work to support people with disabilities are not "saints" or "doing the most important work." That steals the individuality of the person living with the disability.