Disability affects nearly 1 in 4 (26%) adults in the United States. Including people with disabilities in everyday activities and creating accessible environments and equitable opportunities that support people with disabilities in holding roles that are the same and/or similar to their peers who do not have a disability is disability inclusion, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Understanding Disability Inclusion
This involves more than simply encouraging people to participate in activities. It requires making sure that adequate policies, accessible programs, and inclusive practices are in effect in a community or organization. Disability inclusion means understanding the relationship between the way people function, how they can participate in society, and making sure everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires.
Disability inclusion entails identifying barriers that potentially impact people with disabilities to independently live and be fully engaged in their communities. Every community member can make a difference and play a part in addressing those barriers. For example, healthcare professionals and administrators can create more inclusive health care for patients with disabilities. Take steps to learn how you can increase disability inclusion and accessibility for all to improve the health, well-being, and participation of people with disabilities in your community.
“Health equity means optimal health and well-being for all people. Each of us has a role to play in promoting health and achieving health equity for people with disabilities. Please join us and become an ALLY.”
CDC’s Call to Action on Promoting Disability Inclusion
Join the CDC in promoting disability inclusion and accessibility for all by sharing resources and information on your social media channels, blogs, podcasts, and more. Use the resources posted online, share the sample social media posts below, and/or contact CDC to interview a subject matter expert.
The following social media posts are examples you can use as-is or modify to align with your personal or your organization’s mission or preferences. Consider using #DisabilityALLY, #Diversability, and/or #Inclusion4Health in your social media posts
Sample Social Media Posts
ALLY:
Acknowledge and respect individual experiences and abilities.
Learn about different disability types.
Leverage your influence to promote accessibility and inclusion.
Yield the floor to people with disabilities to help identify and eliminate barriers.
#DisabilityALLY #Diversability #Inclusion4Health
Is your local playground inclusive for all? We all have a role to play in creating more inclusive communities for people with disabilities.
#DisabilityALLY #Diversability #Inclusion4Health
Add hashtags: #DisabilityALLY #Diversability #Inclusion4Health
Add these buttons to your website, email signature, or newsletters!
Let your networks know you’re a Disability A.L.L.Y. by displaying the buttons below! Whether you add them to your website or email signature or include them in your distribution materials, these buttons let others know you’re committed to health equity and inclusion.
Be an A.L.L.Y.
*Acknowledge and respect individual experiences and abilities.
*Learn about different disability types.
*Leverage your influence to promote accessibility and inclusion.
*Yield the floor to people with disabilities to help identify and eliminate barriers.
Be a Disability A.L.L.Y. and promote inclusion for all.
* Acknowledge * Learn * Leverage * Yield *
