The way we communicate online can either strengthen or undermine the sense of belonging for people with diverse backgrounds and abilities. It's important that we recognise the power of language in creating an inclusive digital space. In this blog, we'll explore inclusive language, why it matters, and how we can all collaborate, discuss and prioritise personal preferences to create a more welcoming and inclusive digital environment.
Understanding inclusive online communication
Inclusive language goes beyond avoiding overtly offensive terms; it involves using language that respects and includes all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences. One crucial aspect of inclusive language is adopting a person-first approach, which prioritises the person over their characteristics, such as race, gender, or disability. It's important to consider whether mentioning characteristics, including disabilities, is essential in the content and directly related to the context. Only include such details when they contribute to the discussion or understanding without defining the individual solely by their characteristics.
Respecting personal preferences
While putting the person first in language is generally a good practice, it's essential to acknowledge that people's preferences can differ. Some individuals might prefer identity-first language, like 'disabled person' instead of 'person with a disability.' The key is to prioritise an individual's preferences and ask them how they prefer to be addressed. Never assume—always ask.
Facilitating discussions in online meetings
Teams should engage in open and respectful conversations about language preferences to create an inclusive environment. Providing a safe space for team members to express their preferences fosters a culture of mutual understanding and respect, valuing every voice. Consider organising workshops or training sessions to educate team members about the importance of inclusive language and encourage an open dialogue about individual preferences. Additionally, using technology and systems, such as adding pronouns in email signature blocks or to your Microsoft Teams profile, can also contribute to creating an inclusive online environment.
Avoiding Exclusionary Language Online
Another important aspect impacting inclusivity is language choice regarding abilities and disabilities. Seemingly harmless language choices can reinforce ableism, which involves discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities. It's vital to avoid biases and expressions that discriminate based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, and even ableist language commonly found in technology. For instance, terms like 'blacklist,' 'whitelist,' 'enable,' and 'disable' could contribute to making some people feel excluded. Phrases like 'call me crazy, but…' can contribute to negative and inaccurate opinions about people with mental health conditions, implying that having a mental health condition is something undesirable.
In our team we recently spoke about how some of the metaphors that we use like ‘stand-up,' ‘scrum,’ or ‘sprint’ might unintentionally exclude individuals who do not share the same physical abilities. So now we just have ‘meetings’. Other alternatives like replacing 'see more' with 'learn more' can also contribute to a more inclusive online space.
Considering the perspective of all team members when choosing language is key to fostering an inclusive digital environment.
Tips for communicating with people of diverse abilities online:
General tips:
- Respect individuality: Understand that each person with a disability is unique, with their own preferences and needs.
- Focus on the person: Put the person first, not their disability. Engage directly with the individual, avoiding addressing others like interpreters or assistants.
- Offer assistance respectfully: Ask if someone needs help instead of assuming.
Tips for specific disabilities:
- For learning difficulties or intellectual disabilities:
- Communicate directly, listen attentively, and speak clearly without being patronising.
- Allow time for questions, avoid rushing, and avoid overwhelming them with information.
- Offer assistance if they forget details.
- For low hearing or deaf individuals:
- Maintain face-to-face video communication for lip-reading and avoid bright lights behind you that could hinder visibility.
- Speak in a regular tone, pace, and volume, and relocate from noisy areas if possible.
- Address the person directly instead of their interpreter, if present.
- For low vision or blindness:
- Introduce yourself by name and inquire about their name for direct communication.
- Provide contact information or support channels for individuals who may encounter difficulties accessing or navigating your platform. Be ready to help if needed.
Conclusion
Inclusive language is a powerful tool for building a workplace that values and respects the unique qualities of each team member. The language we choose to use is important for accessible communication because words matter, and sometimes that choice, intentionally or unintentionally, can exclude others. By prioritising personal preferences and fostering open discussions, teams can create an environment where everyone feels heard, seen, and valued. In the journey toward inclusivity, language is not just a means of communication; it's a reflection of our commitment to embracing diversity and promoting a sense of belonging for all.
Check out this Language of Disability and Accessibility video to learn more about the importance of using positive, strengths-based language.