The twenty first of March is World Down syndrome Day.
Inclusion is all about eradicating obstacles, obstacles which forestall an individual from absolutely, equally and independently taking part of their society. Right now is World Down Syndrome Day and there’s no day like right this moment in prompting us to problem our outlook and take into consideration inclusion for a gaggle of people that battle day-to-day challenges. What can we do to make the world a extra accessible and inclusive place for an individual residing with Down syndrome?
Inclusion is about breaking down obstacles
After we consider accessibility, we regularly consider the bodily options of our surrounding setting. It is a dated mind-set about accessibility as a result of this confines us to solely contemplating how an individual’s mobility and bodily participation limits their participation on this planet. Slightly we must always undertake a broader view of accessibility and assume a lot broader to incorporate transportation, entry to info, communication, expertise, psychological and mental accessibility, relationships and friendships. It is a non-exhaustive record and is likely one of the challenges of coming to phrases with what accessibility actually means; we have now to think about inclusion in every little thing we do.
Inclusion and accessibility transcend the particular person, as it’s a collective accountability for communities and establishments to take away obstacles. What can we do in our day-to-day follow to take away obstacles for these in want of help?
Inclusion is within the element
Inclusion doesn’t all the time imply making main modifications to an establishment, organisation or bodily setting. It may be a easy change to a each day routine, a small considerate gesture or taking the time to see the world from another person’s perspective. Inclusion means being purposeful, thoughtful to the wants of others and being an advocate for change at even essentially the most micro-level. Bear in mind inclusion needs to be part of every little thing we do.
Take a second to consider potential obstacles or challenges for an individual with Down syndrome. What are some modifications, nonetheless micro or macro, that we might make as a group to facilitate their participation?
With the ever-developing digital footprint, we additionally want to think about what inclusion means just about. Listed here are some suggestions to make sure digital inclusivity when growing a webpage, webinar or on-line course:
- Embrace reside transcription or closed captioning
- Use excessive distinction colors on slides and with pictures
- Enable the content material to be size-adjustable, for instance, textual content and pictures
- Restrict the quantity of textual content on slides or on display screen
- Don’t depend on color to tell apart key parts
- Communicate clearly and slowly in easy language
- Guarantee excessive sound high quality
- Guarantee a replica of the transcript or presentation is accessible
- Current the data in several languages, the place doable
- Promote offline entry to content material
Inclusion impacts everybody
It may be a problem to consider inclusion from a unique perspective if we’re used to feeling “included”. Inclusion will feel and look in another way for everybody, however relaxation assured, we’re all impacted by, and liable for, inclusion and accessibility. Consider a second the place you felt “excluded” and never absolutely capable of take part in a scenario. How did you are feeling and what might have been improved to fulfill your wants?
Essentially the most impactful manner to make sure inclusion for somebody is to present them a voice. Take the time to ask somebody about their wants, you could be stunned by what they inform you. Hearken to what somebody is messaging and mannequin change by their voice. Recognize somebody’s story.
The easiest way to advertise consciousness of Down syndrome is for folks with Down syndrome to share their very own tales in their very own phrases. Click on right here to learn their tales and admire their voice.
