At Open Door, our mission is to inspire life journeys.

A key part of us fulfilling that mission is our steadfast belief in inclusivity: at the individual level, as an organization, and for society as a whole. From everyday actions to large-scale corporate changes, from mindset shifts to on-the-ground involvement, the following are 8 ways we can work together to build a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities!

1. Don’t Assume What Is or Isn’t Possible

People with disabilities are not a monolith. Even though individuals may share some similar experiences, needs, or challenges, they are highly diverse and represent a variety of cultures, skillsets, backgrounds, and may live with a physical, cognitive, or other type of disability that has varying effects on their daily life. And, of course, a person’s disability can affect them in a variety of ways that may not necessarily be obvious to the outside observer.

It’s ignorant to assume what someone else’s capabilities are. For example, someone who has hearing loss may be perfectly adept at reading lips, so it would probably be seen as condescending to speak very loudly or make broad gesticulations when speaking to them. Each person with disabilities is unique – get to know them and learn about who they are and what their goals are.

2. Seek Input from People with Disabilities

This one can’t be more straightforward: The best way to create an inclusive environment for people with disabilities is to get their input. Ask them how they would like their situation to be addressed—if at all—and what accommodations they might need. Foster an environment of inclusivity by asking employees with disabilities how they feel the organization is promoting accessibility and inclusion.

While it’s important to recognize the value of inclusion, we also need to ensure that people at all levels of an organization are doing the same. Of course, in order to adopt these behaviors, we have to be willing to accept that our biases may play a role in our perceptions and relationships.

3. Speak Up Against Any Form of Violence

Persons with disabilities can be victimized by various forms of violence, often being taken advantage of for nefarious purposes. This can manifest itself in physical, emotional, or psychological abuse.

In addition, law enforcement officers are often ill-equipped to interact with disabled individuals in a non-discriminatory fashion. This can be attributed to a lack of training as well as potential bias against disabled individuals. According to the Police Brutality Center, “approximately one-third to one-half of individuals killed by the police are disabled, and disabled individuals comprise the majority of high-profile use-of-force cases.”

If you happen to witness any form of violence against a person with a disability, don’t be silent! We have to speak up against violence, and we have to speak louder against violence targeting vulnerable populations like people with disabilities.

4. People with Disabilities Want to Work, So Let’s Employ Them

According to NPR, “fewer than 1 in 5 disabled adults are employed.” CNN Money also stated that “disabled workers earn about $9,000 less a year than non-disabled workers, according to Census data on median earnings. That gap was under $6,000 in the early 1990s.” The disability community is still discriminated against at work from being refused a job or denied a final interview. But when it comes down to it, employers need to see a person, including his/her disability, as an asset and not a potential liability.

It’s also important to make sure that people with disabilities are equitably promoted and given opportunities for growth. Encourage collaboration with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and take a hard look at your reasoning for making decisions. This will not only cultivate diversity in leadership roles, it’s also a way to help spark motivation and create a model of inclusion.

5. Don’t Forget a Valuable Consumer Block

The biggest minority population in the world is also the most underrepresented when it comes to marketing products. Why is that? While part of this stems from the fact that there is a great deal of diversity within the disability community, those consumer segments still have significant purchasing power and should be catered to more with marketed products and services.

We’re slowly seeing models with disabilities incorporated in fashion and marketing commercials, but this needs to become the norm, and not seen as future-forward thinking.

6. Make Air Travel Accessible for All

There are so many people with disabilities who are active businesspeople with vibrant careers who are respected in their various fields. That is, until they get to the airport and become dependent on the Special Services Request or cannot use the washroom once in the air. Many people with disabilities face unfortunate experiences at the airport or even in the air, left for hours without a chair or access to a washroom.

The level of disrespect and invisibility a traveler with a disability endures can be astounding and frustrating. Training the Special Services Request personnel would go a long way towards promoting a more positive experience though the “just ask, just listen” approach. A better interaction would be to ask travelers with a disability what they need and act accordingly. Also, major airlines need to do a better job at accommodating people with disabilities by building an accessible restroom within planes.

7. Integrate Disability History in School Curriculums

How can a person with a disability acknowledge and identify with their history if it’s not taught? Throughout general education, the Americans with Disabilities Act has not been widely taught to students within their curriculum. Why not? Most students learn in depth about the Voting Rights Act in middle school, as well they should, but don’t learn about the ADA until college, if at all. Even more, Disability Studies is still an emerging discipline that isn’t offered at all institutions of higher learning.

Disability history needs to be integrated within our school system to be fully acknowledged. Teach children how far we have come and how far we still need to go; youth advocacy has the power to make an incredible difference in our world.

8. Volunteer in Your Community

The best way to promote inclusivity is to get involved! There are a wide range of options available that will help individuals with disabilities and promote a more equitable world: Open Door has a variety of volunteer groups that specialize in activities in the community that reflect individuals’ interests and goals: reading, gardening, community events, fine art, theatrical performances, and more!

By becoming involved with a volunteer group, you are demonstrating that people with disabilities are valuable members of the community and deserve to have the same experiences and opportunities as anyone else.