By Sarah Lemay for the Gazette de la Mauricie
Social inclusion is an essential concept in our society. We can perceive it in all our organizations and businesses that equip themselves in policies or practices related to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
These actions are aimed at valuing and accommodating all persons, regardless of their origin, their individual characteristics or their culture. This notion of inclusion goes far beyond simple tolerance. It is about the idea that we should celebrate and favor diversity, ensuring that each and every individual can actively participate in the life of the community.
Social inclusion is therefore a central pillar of social justice and equal opportunity in life. But it’s also important to recognize that resources are limited, both across society as well as within organizations. In effect, when social and professional inclusion are neglected, whole segments of the population see their talents underutilized and sidelined. This means that society as a whole can’t fulfil its potential.
This may seem counter-intuitive. But considering the needs of minority groups and the marginalized with solutions to their challenges helps everyone. Take the “curb cut effect”, which we can also call the “universal advantage effect”.
The “curb cut effect” takes its name from the lowering of sidewalks in places along the curb. At first, this move was intended to facilitate access to wheelchairs. These indentations also simplify the lives of many others. Parents pushing strollers can benefit from lowered sidewalks. So can people doing deliveries who use trolley carts. Tourists towing heavy luggage on wheels see this as a very practical feature.
To summarize, a small adjustment meant to benefit one minority group can have a considerable positive effect on other people, even if these benefits were unforeseen when the change was first implemented. When we design for the disabled, we help everyone.
Another example of the curb cut effect is the insertion of subtitles on TV or on-line videos. Initially, this innovation was means to help the hard-of-hearing and the deaf. Nonetheless, the benefits of this practice have spread far beyond its narrow target market. Imagine watching a hockey game in a crowded restaurant. The announcers can be hard to hear through the ambient noise. But subtitles keep you updated on what’s happening in the game. Someone watching whose language is not being spoken can follow along better if subtitles are available. Even in a waiting room, subtitles offer a great way to watch TV without disturbing others.
The universal advantage effect shows that accessibility and inclusion don’t simply incur costs. Think of outlays as investments for a more prosperous, equitable society. It reminds us that when we conceive of environments to meet the needs of traditionally, statistically marginalized people, notably the disabled, we create opportunities for everyone, thereby improving the quality of life and strengthening the community as a whole.
Accessibility isn’t just about conforming to rules. It’s a real source of innovation, social progress and respect for fundamental rights.
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