The complexity of DISABILITY INCLUSION

Consultant and TV personality Simon Minty is no stranger to promoting inclusive practices and policies: for more than two decades now he has advised businesses on how to improve and as a Business Disability Forum ambassador, he recently cohosted the Disability Smart Awards. Diversity, equality and inclusion have improved, but there’s still a long way to go before disabled people can stop advocating for equity.

Expectation

“This is the first time I remember where disability can open doors rather than close them,” o ers Simon. “The expectation is greater and that means organisations need to adjust: that looks very di erent if you are a technology company, a theatre or an environment agency, but the core principles of independence and inclusion should always be there.”

Disability can no longer be treated as a blanket term: it’s time for organisations everywhere to pay a ention to individual needs.

“Disability almost doesn’t seem to be a big enough word now, d/ Deaf people may use the word deaf rather than disabled, people who are neurodivergent don’t always use the word disability even though they are under that umbrella,” advises Simon.

Learning

Improving can be complex, but now more than ever, there are ways to become informed on the di erent facets of disability.

“I would recommend looking at some books, some websites, and some podcasts, and the other thing I would advise doing is having a look online,” reveals Simon. “Go on Instagram, Twi er, Facebook, TikTok, find five interesting disabled people and follow them. They are going to talk about this stu and that way you’re going to gradually get more informed.

“Social media is a light way to have it constantly dripping in. There’s a whole wealth of information that you can learn from and then you become an ally because you’re not just saying I care about this, you are being informed, you have learned this from disabled people.”

Next Generation

In Simon’s eyes, two of the greatest assets are the knowledge and progress made by the brilliant campaigners who have come before us, and the second is the new generation who are demanding more.

“We’ve changed so much and improved so many things which is amazing whether its access, legislation, visibility,” enthuses Simon. “If you are 21 and disabled, this is just the base level.

“Disability is so complex and we have a new generation whose expectations are greater than the previous one. They’re saying, great we’re here, but where do we want to go next?”

The next step is using this energy to influence practice and policy.

“We need to use the a ention people are ge ing on social media and turn it into sophisticated campaigning, to get young people in the room with the right people,” o ers Simon. “We need to continue to support each other because it’s really hard work, and I think the next generation have the energy to push.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Keep up with Simon on Twi er @simonminty