Cultural Platform explores the concepts of accessibility and inclusivity and shares some useful tips for the youth
In the future, Ukraine should become more and more open to including various social groups in public life through forming horizontal democratic connections between them. This means that every member of society should have access to unhindered and free participation in public activities to actively express their opinion and discuss it with others.
Thanks to state programs, public organizations, and initiatives of various kinds, this is gradually becoming a reality—we are learning to adopt the best practices of other countries and gradually influencing accessibility in our communities. Social groups that were previously excluded from this context are gaining access to resources and are finally able to participate in state-building in one way or another.
Inclusivity means that everyone is included in public life regardless of any social markers. This term includes not only people with disabilities but also such social groups as parents with small children, internally displaced persons, and the elderly — in fact, all members of society.
To a certain extent, we could argue that the Law of Ukraine “On the Main Principles of Youth Policy” also promotes inclusion by creating conditions for self-realization and development of the Ukrainian youth, increasing the level of their independence and competitiveness, and ensuring the active participation of youth in public life.
It is crucial not only to support initiatives that promote inclusivity but also to acquire new knowledge on this topic, in particular, on the correct terminology for daily communication. Language forms consciousness, and healthy communication combined with mutual respect builds social cohesion between all members of society.
KEY TAKEAWAYS that you could start using today:
- people with disabilities do not have defects, but certain difficulties with various functions that we should call impairments (for example, a person with impaired vision, a person with impaired hearing, etc.);
- a handicap is not synonymous with impairment, it is the result of the limitations within the environment not giving people full access to the resources available to others;
- some people who use wheelchairs prefer the term “walk” to “drive” when describing their mobility. Let’s try to clarify this when we meet a wheelchair user and stick to the verb that is more comfortable for this person;
- do not emphasize one’s “specialness” and differences from others, but try to talk about what people like about themselves, what they are proud of, and what they want to achieve. It is wrong to reduce a person to their disability because they are just like the rest of us—a human being with their own interests, preferences, and life experience. Find common ground, talk about the universally human things, and reinforce each other’s strengths;
- when talking about the world, learn to ask how the experience of people with disabilities can be improved, not what is inaccessible to them. There are many things that we can take for granted, but for many these things create difficulty. It’s great when there is an opportunity to think about other people’s experiences and change your perception;
- if we don’t know something (for example, what terms to use correctly about a person), we must clarify that with respect because not knowing something is absolutely normal while deciding something for another person—isn’t;
- if we see the need to make something more comfortable for a person with a disability or want to do something helpful that seems appropriate, we should first offer our help, and if the person says that they don’t need it, we mustn’t help them. When we automatically think that a person needs us, we diminish their agency and skills in interacting with the world.
If you find yourself feeling confused or have forgotten something crucial, you can always say: “I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to correctly (call, help, support you…) but I would like to clarify what would make you feel more comfortable.” It’s always cool to show a willingness to learn new things because none of us are born with an absolute understanding of the world around us!
Together we form a society in which everyone should feel the freedom to be themselves and break their own stereotypes about the world!
Anastasiya Mishustina
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