What Would You Do? 

Each month we address various accessibility issues that may arise within the TravelAbility community. 

What Would You Do?

Imagine you’re no longer allowed to use the words “inclusion,” “equity,” “DEI,” or “diversity” in any of your marketing or communications. How would you propose programs or initiatives that are designed to welcome and serve everyone? What alternative words or language would you use to describe those efforts?

Responses: Insider Editor, Jennifer Allen Responds

Surprisingly, we didn’t have many responses come in for this real-world problem. Perhaps it’s a little too real and a little too daunting. As someone who is actively facing this challenge, I thought I would share what I’m doing personally. It does seem strange to promote the idea that all are welcome, while deleting the terms that state it clearly, but it’s a necessity that many of us are facing.

I’m currently reworking a presentation that had been titled “Seeing the World Through Inclusion-Colored Glasses.” While it was a little tempting to replace each instance of “inclusion” with a “#!?!” to show that a “bad word” was being left out, I opted for a clearer message. I could have just replaced each I-word with “accessible,” but that isn’t what I mean. Inclusion isn’t just being able to get in and get around: it’s being made a part of all the action. 

If a program is designed to welcome and serve everyone – that’s exactly what I’ll say. If I mean that there are no stairs, I’ll say there are no stairs. If a concert hall is being inclusive through their sensory options, hearing loops, and audio descriptions I’ll describe what they’re offering. The label may not be needed when we understand how people are being welcomed and made a part of all that is being offered.

In some ways, maybe being forced to use descriptions instead of labels will be helpful to the disability community. No one likes the hotel IG posts that praise an “accessible room” without saying anything about it, because accessibility looks different for everyone. “Inclusive” used to be a feel-good label that said all were welcome. Instead, it’s time to show just how we’re truly welcoming all.