5 Accessible and Inclusive New Year’s Resolutions
It’s 2021, which means another opportunity to break down barriers to access and inclusion.
A mint and white infographic shares 5 accessible and inclusive New Year’s Resolutions for 2021. They are: 1.Invite people with lived experience to the table. A graphic beside point one shows an orange and a pink speech bubble. 2.Remove online barriers for equal and full participation for all. A graphic shows a hand holding a smartphone. 3. Learn about disability culture and issues. A graphic shows a presenter with a captive audience. 4. Focus on language - speak plainly or learn a new one. A graphic shows a book. 5. Make Manitoba’s spaces inclusive & accessible. A graphic shows an active wheelchair icon. Created by Manitoba Possible.
Throughout this next year and beyond, you have the chance to learn and explore disability issues and culture to create a more inclusive environment for you and your community, both on and off the web.
Whether you have a lived experience with disability or are looking to expand your knowledge of diverse experiences, these accessible and inclusive New Year’s resolutions will point you towards a path of learning and greater understanding.
1. Invite people with lived experience to the table.
Systemic barriers in policy, practice or procedure mean that some people are excluded or receive less than equal access. The best way to combat this is to include all people and allow their lived experience to be represented. This could be in almost any area, from policymaking to the media and the arts to after-school sports. Are the groups you belong to accessible to everyone? How can you eliminate any accessibility barriers that exist? Make room for everyone in your leadership group, art project, clubs and everywhere else!
2. Remove online barriers for equal and full participation for all.
The Internet has made accessibility a lot easier in some ways, but there’s still work to be done! Make sure your website, emails and social posts are screen reader friendly and use ALT text or image descriptions. Getting in touch online is most people’s preference these days, but make sure you offer non-digital ways for people to get in touch too.
3. Learn about disability issues and culture.
Diversifying your knowledge base to include experiences other than your own will expand your world. Disability culture and activism are empowering, vibrant and diverse. What new things can you learn by seeking out trusted sources and those with lived experience? Start by reading some stories about people in our community, like Paul or Mitch.
4. Focus on language. Speak plainly or learn a new one.
Communication and information barriers are everywhere, but they are easy to fix. Use plain language, easy to read fonts, and symbols and images to communicate clearly both on- and off- line. Maybe 2021 will be the year you learn a new language, like American Sign Language, to effectively communicate with more Manitobans. Check out our ASL programs and services.
5. Make Manitoba’s spaces inclusive and accessible.
Physical and architectural barriers prevent physical access for people with disabilities. Eliminating these barriers is more than just adding a ramp. Washrooms, parking, lighting and signage all play an important part in creating accessible spaces. Getting around at this time of year in Manitoba can be made extra difficult by all the snow! Make sure paths and parking lots remain clear and hazard-free.
2020 was a difficult year for everyone, and we hope these resolutions move you into a more accessible world for 2021. What will we accomplish this year, together? We can’t wait to find out! Let us know about your accessible and inclusive resolutions on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. (Include links to video posts on these platforms)
Need inspiration? Read stories by community members making Manitoba Possible for all, like Payton, who wanted to help reduce barriers for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in her school.
Maybe you'd like to recognize those are eliminating barriers – let us know on the Paint the Town Possible page!
Download the Accessible and Inclusive New Year’s Resolution PDF here. The infographic is available in video format, as well: