Category Did You Know?
Shared on Instagram and archived here, this section presents little-known facts about inclusion and disabilities that will help you better understand why inclusion matters, and why you need to care.
Including a dedicated accessibility contact or team during events can help resolve any immediate accessibility issues. They can be an invaluable resource for attendees with disabilities. Are you advocating for dedicated accessibility contacts during your speaking engagements to promptly address any arising accessibility concerns?
More details about Did You Know… #074Checking the accessibility of a venue is crucial before hosting an event. It’s not just about wheelchair accessibility but also about signages, lighting, acoustics, and more. Are you prioritizing a thorough accessibility audit of your venues before delivering speeches or presentations?
More details about Did You Know… #073Accessibility accommodations should not be seen as ‘special treatments.’ Instead, they should be viewed as essential steps toward equality, removing barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating. Are you framing accessibility accommodations as a route to equality in your speeches and actions?
More details about Did You Know… #072Some people with disabilities may be accompanied by service animals. It’s essential to respect the function and space of these animals, as they’re not just pets but crucial aids. Are you considering how to accommodate and respect the presence of service animals during your presentations?
More details about Did You Know… #071As with all marginalized groups, people with disabilities are not a monolith. They have diverse backgrounds, experiences, expectations, and needs. Recognizing this diversity is essential to true inclusivity. Are you considering the intersectionality of identities in your presentations to ensure you’re reaching all attendees?
More details about Did You Know… #070Attendees might have cognitive disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism, leading to diverse information processing and sensory experiences. Have you considered these various needs when constructing your speech content, visual aids, and audience engagement methods to ensure an inclusive and engaging experience for all?
More details about Did You Know… #069Many individuals with disabilities use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to communicate. Acknowledging and respecting these communication methods is crucial for inclusivity. How are you planning to make your interactions more inclusive and respectful towards attendees who use AAC devices?
More details about Did You Know… #068Accessibility is not only an ethical imperative but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, such as under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US and the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) in Canada. Non-compliance can lead to legal repercussions. How are you ensuring your presentations adhere to relevant accessibility laws, thereby meeting both your ethical and legal responsibilities?
More details about Did You Know… #067Approximately 1.3 billion individuals globally live with some form of disability, indicating that accessibility is not about ‘accommodating a few.’ It’s about enabling equitable experiences for a sizeable audience segment. In what ways are you embedding the principles of inclusivity and accessibility in your speech content and delivery to cater to the broad spectrum of your audience?
More details about Did You Know… #066Deaf culture, rich and diverse, includes sign languages that are full-fledged languages with their own dialects. Recognizing and respecting these cultural and linguistic differences is a key factor in promoting an inclusive environment. How are you integrating an understanding and appreciation of deaf culture and its languages into your presentations, thus enhancing cultural inclusivity?
More details about Did You Know… #065The structuring of your speech timings can greatly influence its accessibility. Extended sessions without breaks can be physically and cognitively taxing for some individuals. Incorporating regular breaks allows attendees time to rest, process information, and rejuvenate. How are you weaving breaks into your talk schedule to promote comfort, comprehension, and a holistic sense of inclusivity?
More details about Did You Know… #064If your presentation includes sign language interpreters, their placement plays a significant role in accessibility. They need to be positioned where they’re easily visible without causing viewer strain, ideally on the same level as the speaker. How are you strategically accommodating sign language interpreters in your setup to ensure the accessible delivery of your presentation content?
More details about Did You Know… #063Consideration of lighting conditions during your speech can significantly impact its accessibility. Excessive backlighting can hamper lip-reading, while poor lighting can challenge those with low vision. Are you intentionally assessing and adjusting lighting conditions when delivering your speeches, thus ensuring maximum visibility and inclusivity for all attendees?
More details about Did You Know… #062Utilizing a microphone goes beyond mere amplification. Effective microphone usage can dramatically improve speech clarity, enhancing the accessibility of your talk for individuals utilizing hearing aids or those with auditory processing disorders. Have you contemplated how mindful microphone usage could improve auditory accessibility during your presentations, ensuring your message reaches every attendee?
More details about Did You Know… #061Engaging the audience during your talk is an essential aspect of speaking, yet traditional interactive methods may inadvertently exclude some attendees. Exploring alternative, accessible interaction methods, such as real-time polls or written queries, can create a more inclusive environment. In planning your engagement techniques, how are you considering the varying communication needs of your audience to foster more equitable participation?
More details about Did You Know… #060Language use has the power to shape perceptions and attitudes. Using respectful and inclusive language is a fundamental aspect of disability inclusion. Terms such as “people with disabilities” or “disabled people” are generally preferred over terms like “handicapped” or “disabled”. Are you ensuring the use of respectful and inclusive language in your speeches to create a positive perception of disability?
More details about Did You Know… #059Many individuals with disabilities experience exclusion due to misconceptions and stereotypes. Incorporating positive and accurate representations of disability into your speeches can challenge these harmful perceptions. However, it’s essential to avoid using disability as a metaphor or inspirational tool. Are you carefully considering the portrayal of disability in your speeches to promote understanding, respect, and inclusivity?
More details about Did You Know… #058The use of assistive technologies can significantly enhance communication accessibility. Services such as real-time speech-to-text can make your speech accessible to individuals with hearing disabilities. Similarly, screen readers translate written text into speech, assisting those with visual impairments. Are you properly supporting such assistive technologies into your presentations to ensure your message is accessible to all attendees?
More details about Did You Know… #057Ensuring communication accessibility is crucial. This extends beyond just the words you use and includes the tone, pace, and non-verbal cues of your speech. Consider that some individuals rely on lip-reading, necessitating facing the audience while speaking. Are you actively adapting your communication styles and techniques to cater to the diverse needs of your audience, including those with hearing impairments?
More details about Did You Know… #056Disability is not always visible. In fact, around 80% of people with disabilities do not use wheelchairs or other assistive devices. They might live with ‘invisible disabilities,’ which can be cognitive, sensory, or mental health conditions. As a speaker, are you acknowledging these invisible disabilities in preparing your speech content and interaction techniques to ensure that everyone feels included and acknowledged?
More details about Did You Know… #055A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean. Similarly, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are also 15% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean. Can you see how brands that prioritize inclusion are not only doing the right thing, but they’re also making smart business decisions?
More details about Did You Know… #054Businesses that prioritize inclusivity and diversity in their communication tend to have a greater positive impact on their communities and society as a whole. Don’t you want your brand to be recognized for its great social impact and its promotion of values such as inclusivity and diversity, and its contributions to a more inclusive and equitable society?
More details about Did You Know… #053Organizations that consider the diverse needs and perspectives of employees, customers, and other stakeholders who have disabilities can make more informed and well-rounded decisions. How skilled is your organization, when it comes to considering the needs and perspectives of a wider range of stakeholders as well as leveraging inclusive communication principles to make better informed and more balanced decisions?
More details about Did You Know… #052By demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, businesses can also differentiate themselves from their competitors and appeal to a wider range of customers and stakeholders. Can you see how inclusive communication can help your business stay ahead of the curve and stay competitive in an increasingly diverse and global market?
More details about Did You Know… #051Organizations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity and diversity can enhance their reputation as well as build trust with their stakeholders. Can you see the value of developing a brand that is known for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and enjoys a more positive reputation among customers, employees, and stakeholders?
More details about Did You Know… #050By ensuring that communication is inclusive and accessible, businesses can avoid costly mistakes and misunderstandings that can result from miscommunication or a lack of understanding. How might you leverage inclusive communication to help your organization avoid very costly conflicts, as well as legal liabilities related to discrimination?
More details about Did You Know… #049When communication is clear and inclusive, employees, customers, and stakeholders can work more effectively and efficiently together. Is your business ready to leverage inclusive communication principles to help reduce misunderstandings and miscommunications, and consequently, lead to increased efficiency and productivity?
More details about Did You Know… #048Businesses that consider the needs and experiences of a diverse range of stakeholders are more likely to come up with new and innovative solutions to challenges and opportunities, because diverse perspectives and experiences lead to more creative and innovative solutions and ideas. Can your business foster a culture of inclusivity that encourages diverse viewpoints and encourages collaboration?
More details about Did You Know… #047By demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity, organizations can attract new customers and stakeholders who value diversity and inclusion. Does it make sense for your business to appeal to a wider range of customers and stakeholders, including those from diverse backgrounds and with different abilities?
More details about Did You Know… #046When a business provides materials in multiple languages or makes its website accessible to users with disabilities, it becomes more appealing to a wider range of customers. Do you think that by communicating inclusively, your business could better meet the needs and preferences of diverse customers, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty?
More details about Did You Know… #045