The importance of inclusion

We’re excited to kick off a week-long celebration of Inclusion Week here at Family Fund.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Karen Newell, explains more about the importance of inclusion at every level in society and how we can all play our part:

Impact matters

This year’s National Inclusion Week theme, ‘Impact matters’, is a reminder that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. It has the potential to make a positive difference to each and every one of us.

When I think what inclusion means to me, I think of it as both a feeling of belonging and a call to action to design things with an inclusive approach.

My knowledge and experience of inclusion became more focused when my son was born with a severe vision impairment. I saw first hand, how the services I accessed with ease with my sighted daughter were suddenly more challenging. I hadn’t been so aware of these barriers before. The non-tactile books at the playcentre, the story times that I struggled to push my son to the front so he might be able to see something, the constant explaining of my sons needs and the pity, oh the pity! I was lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful group of mums that were empathetic, supportive and a constant source of resilience and cake.

Having an inclusive mindset

National Inclusion Week gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of approaching all we do with an inclusive mindset. To celebrate that the rich diversity of human existence is the norm, and to place a positive value on difference.

“Inclusion and positive representation not only increase the confidence and self-esteem of disabled children and adults, it also grows the minds of their non-disabled peers. It’s a win win!”

Never underestimate the impact of thinking about each other. By focusing on inclusion, we want to create a society where everyone can thrive and share their own stories.