We all talk about creating an open and accepting society. For many of us, living in a world that accepts and welcomes everyone is our dream. Despite these dreams, not everybody understands what an inclusive society is. How to make a society that everyone loves and is open to everyone?

In an inclusive society, people love and accept each other, no matter what their religion, race, gender, class, where they live, or other disadvantages are. The idea of an inclusive society is that everyone should have the same chances as others. 

To create an inclusive society, you must make it possible for everyone to grow socially and economically. It’s crucial to understand that to create an inclusive society, the first steps start at home. While creating laws helps build an inclusive society, that is not where things start; it all starts with people in their homes and communities. 

Accessible Communities

It only makes sense that our communities are completely accessible as our population ages and more individuals confront the possibility of living with mobility, visual, or hearing challenges. Every day, plans are made for new public structures and private residences, but is removing barriers from such structures part of the design process? It’s time to abandon the idea that people with physical limitations need a special entrance. Instead, everyone should have access to all entrances.

Inclusive Classrooms

It is possible to help students who have trouble seeing or hearing or use wheelchairs do well in a “regular” classroom. Giving instructions in several ways is one approach to creating an inclusive environment. Teachers typically begin each lesson with a plan outlining the day’s subjects and assignments. The lesson plan can be posted on the board and read out loud by the teachers at the beginning of the day. To take things even further, teachers should encourage students to ask any questions they might have. The teacher can also have students summarize the instructions in their own words. Doing these things ensures everybody understands what is going on.

Pairing up students as they work in the classroom may be beneficial since some students learn better from peers explaining things rather than their teachers. For instance, a student with hearing issues might ask a buddy to take notes in class. If they sit at the front of the class, students with impaired vision will easily see the board. Additionally, chair placement in the classroom should be considered, especially if students have mobility issues. Nobody wants to have to navigate obstacles in a classroom when they are there to learn. 

Increase Representation

For decades, movies and TV shows have been about people with disabilities. In the 1967 movie Wait Until Dark, Audrey Hepburn played a blind woman who tricks thieves. In all eight seasons of the TV show House, Hugh Laurie’s character used a cane to get around. But neither these artists nor many others have ever had the handicap they play. What needs to happen is that more actors with disabilities need to be able to lead on stage and screen.

Most of the time, women and people with disabilities are underrepresented in government jobs. Even though they have the best traits, they are not in charge or given the same chances. Giving them the same value will help build a society that welcomes everyone. Having people with disabilities in top business roles is also important for understanding disability, changing stereotypes, and making positive changes in the business world. 

Inclusive Workplace

Because they believe it will be expensive to make changes to the workplace to accommodate them, some businesses may be reluctant to recruit individuals with disabilities. This worry is mostly unfounded because employment modifications for persons with impairments don’t always have to be expensive. It may be as simple as switching to light bulbs with higher wattage, allowing more space between workstations, increasing the text size on signage, etc. The only way to be certain is to discuss the employee’s needs upfront and constantly communicate with them during the assignment. To make any necessary adjustments to the workplace, a supervisor can also be able to receive assistance from the government. 

Because they believe they won’t be as productive as those without disabilities or that they can work without supervision, some businesses may also be reluctant to recruit those with impairments. Employers miss out on talented individuals who, given a chance, may perform admirably because they are reluctant to recruit them. Managers should base their decisions on what they know and understand rather than presumptions and preconceptions when determining what a person with a handicap can or cannot perform.

Never Assume and Always Listen

We must take the time to learn from each other to help make the world a place where people treat each other well. This means being interested in learning about people different from us, having an open mind and not jumping to conclusions, and learning to listen to others. If we want each other to feel respected and fair, we may need to look at our weaknesses and try to see things from other people’s points of view.

Thoughtful Language

Language is often the direct cause of confusion and hurt feelings. First, insulting language has no place in society. It is never okay to use racial or ethnic words, anti-Semitic language, gay language, sexist language, etc. People can do more than just stop using this language, though. They can also choose to use language that includes everyone. 

Conclusion

Creating an inclusive society benefits everybody. We need to get to know each other to make truly welcoming neighborhoods. That starts with the kids, the youngest in our society. It’s important to help kids learn and play with everyone else at school. How someone moves or communicates shouldn’t stop them from playing or making friends.

Adults also need to get to know their friends and coworkers who have physical problems in their daily lives. Ask them what they see as hurdles to joining the group. Then, look for ways to make public places and workplaces more open and welcoming. Unspoken Language Services can help bridge the communication gap by providing professional interpretation services. Contact us today to help you in your desire to create a welcoming and inclusive society for all!

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by MattHurst