The Inclusion Hour!

“What is the difference between diversity & inclusion?” 

Diversity is understanding that each individual is unique whereas inclusion is embracing everyone as valuable members of their communities.

However, for me, I like this definition:   Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance. How does that sound? #thinkINC #disABILITY 

 "What do we mean by normal?" 

The word ‘normal’ entered the English language in about 1840. It can be defined as “constituting, conforming to, not deviating or different from, the common type or standard, regular, usual”.

Before this, the concept of the "ideal" prevailed. The "ideal" was the preserve of God & unachievable by the human. "Normal" introduced the correct & preferred way of being human, &, therefore, the concept of disABILITY. For me, there's no "normal" human, only a "typical" form. Do you agree?  #thinkINC #disABILITY

"What language should I use when referring to someone who has a disABILITY?"  

There's no right or wrong answer! For me, it's about using the term the person you are referring to feels most comfortable with.

So, this could be a person with autism or autistic. Equally, this could be blind, a person with a visual impairment or visually impaired. I think the important thing is to ASK THEM! Then use the term they prefer. What do you think? #thinkINC #disABILITY. 

"How can I be kind to a child with a disABILITY?"  

 Include them! Be the parent at the school gates that talks to the mum or dad of the child with special needs. Invite children with disABILITIES to parties and over for tea. Easy isn't it?! #thinkINC #disABILITY

"What percentage of the UK poulation has a disABILITY?"

There are 13.9 million people with a disABILITY: 

8% of children 

19% of working age adults 45% of pension age adults 

22% of the population. 

Is this what you expected? #thinkINC #disABILITY

"Why do words associated with impairment often start with dis or dys?" 

Like many words, they have their origins in Greek & Latin. In Greek, dys means, "bad or disordered" & in Latin, "apart, in different directions, or not").So you have disABILITY, dyslexic, disorder etc. For me, banning the use of dis or dys would go a long way to overcoming social barriers and achieving a more inclusive society. How about you? #thinkINC #disABILITY #bandis #bandys

"What is the origin of the word, "Paralympics?" 

 The word “Paralympics” derives from the Greek preposition “para” (beside or alongside) and the word “Olympic”. Its meaning is that Paralympics are the parallel games to the Olympics and illustrates how the two movements exist side-by-side. Personally, I'd prefer to see one integrated event for all athletes. They all use the same track, pool or arena don't they?!  #thinkINC #disABILITY

"What’s the most common disABILITY in the UK?” 

For adults its mobility & for children it’s cognitive. However, your impairment is a certainty, no matter what the statistics say. Society needs to understand your needs & meet them. #thinkINC #disABILITY