Principles of Disability Inclusion |
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1. Presuming Competence - Presuming competence means believing that people with disabilities are capable of learning, understanding, communicating, making choices, and participating in meaningful ways. This principle is especially important for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or people who communicate differently.
Instead of assuming a person cannot do something, staff, educators, families, and community members should:
2. Respect and Dignity - Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of ability level, communication style, or support needs.
This includes:
3. Person-Centered Support - Person-centered support focuses on the individual rather than fitting people into a program or system.
Instead of asking:
“What services do we have available?”
A person-centered approach asks:
“What does this person want and need to live a meaningful life?”
This means:
4. Self-Determination - Self-determination means people have the right to direct their own lives and make choices about things that affect them.
This can include choices about:
Supporting self-determination helps build confidence, independence, and self-advocacy skills.
5. Full Participation and Inclusion - Inclusion means people with disabilities are welcomed as active members of schools, workplaces, programs, and communities.
It is more than simply being present in a room. True inclusion means:
6. Accessibility - Accessibility removes barriers so everyone can participate.
Barriers may be:
7. Equity - Equity means recognizing that people may need different supports to succeed.
Equality means giving everyone the same thing.
Equity means giving people what they need.
Examples:
8. Belonging - Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, connected, and valued.
Someone can be included physically but still feel isolated. Belonging happens when people:
9. Strengths-Based Approach - A strengths-based approach focuses on what people can do rather than what they cannot do.
This includes recognizing:
10. Universal Design - Universal design means creating environments, activities, and systems that work for as many people as possible from the beginning.
Examples include:
11. Nothing About Us Without Us - This disability rights principle means people with disabilities should be involved in decisions that affect their lives.
People with lived experience should help:
12. Trauma-Informed and Compassionate Practices - Many people with disabilities have experienced bullying, exclusion, discrimination, abuse, or repeated failure.
A trauma-informed approach means:
13. Community Integration - Community integration means people with disabilities have opportunities to fully participate in community life.
This includes:
14. High Expectations - People often rise to the expectations placed on them.
High expectations mean:
High expectations should always be paired with appropriate support.
15. Communication Access - Everyone communicates, even if they do not use spoken language.
Communication access means supporting people in the ways that work best for them, including:
Instead of assuming a person cannot do something, staff, educators, families, and community members should:
- Offer opportunities to learn and participate
- Speak respectfully and age-appropriately
- Provide support and accommodations when needed
- Allow time for communication and processing
- Focus on abilities rather than limitations
2. Respect and Dignity - Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of ability level, communication style, or support needs.
This includes:
- Using respectful language
- Speaking directly to the person, not only to caregivers or staff
- Respecting privacy and personal space
- Avoiding infantilizing adults
- Honoring personal preferences and identities
3. Person-Centered Support - Person-centered support focuses on the individual rather than fitting people into a program or system.
Instead of asking:
“What services do we have available?”
A person-centered approach asks:
“What does this person want and need to live a meaningful life?”
This means:
- Listening to the individual’s goals and interests
- Building supports around their preferences
- Encouraging personal growth
- Recognizing that each person is unique
4. Self-Determination - Self-determination means people have the right to direct their own lives and make choices about things that affect them.
This can include choices about:
- Daily activities
- Friendships and relationships
- Employment
- Living arrangements
- Recreation
- Personal goals
Supporting self-determination helps build confidence, independence, and self-advocacy skills.
5. Full Participation and Inclusion - Inclusion means people with disabilities are welcomed as active members of schools, workplaces, programs, and communities.
It is more than simply being present in a room. True inclusion means:
- Being invited
- Being involved
- Being valued
- Having meaningful roles and relationships
- Inclusive recreation programs
- Community employment
- Participating in clubs, sports, and social events
- Attending community activities alongside peers without disabilities
6. Accessibility - Accessibility removes barriers so everyone can participate.
Barriers may be:
- Physical
- Communication-related
- Sensory
- Financial
- Social
- Technological
- Wheelchair-accessible spaces
- Plain-language materials
- Visual schedules
- Closed captions
- Sensory-friendly environments
- Transportation support
- Flexible communication methods
7. Equity - Equity means recognizing that people may need different supports to succeed.
Equality means giving everyone the same thing.
Equity means giving people what they need.
Examples:
- Extra processing time
- Adaptive equipment
- Staff support
- Financial assistance
- Modified instructions
8. Belonging - Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, connected, and valued.
Someone can be included physically but still feel isolated. Belonging happens when people:
- Feel welcomed
- Build friendships
- Are recognized for their contributions
- Feel emotionally safe
- Know they matter
9. Strengths-Based Approach - A strengths-based approach focuses on what people can do rather than what they cannot do.
This includes recognizing:
- Talents
- Interests
- Personality strengths
- Creativity
- Leadership abilities
- Skills and passions
10. Universal Design - Universal design means creating environments, activities, and systems that work for as many people as possible from the beginning.
Examples include:
- Clear signage with pictures and words
- Automatic doors
- Flexible seating
- Multiple ways to participate in activities
- Captions on videos
- Simple registration systems
11. Nothing About Us Without Us - This disability rights principle means people with disabilities should be involved in decisions that affect their lives.
People with lived experience should help:
- Plan programs
- Serve on committees and boards
- Advocate for policy changes
- Speak at events
- Provide feedback and leadership
12. Trauma-Informed and Compassionate Practices - Many people with disabilities have experienced bullying, exclusion, discrimination, abuse, or repeated failure.
A trauma-informed approach means:
- Responding with empathy instead of punishment
- Understanding behavior as communication
- Creating emotionally safe environments
- Building trust and predictability
- Supporting regulation and coping skills
13. Community Integration - Community integration means people with disabilities have opportunities to fully participate in community life.
This includes:
- Working in community jobs
- Using community spaces
- Building friendships
- Participating in local events
- Having access to recreation and social activities
14. High Expectations - People often rise to the expectations placed on them.
High expectations mean:
- Believing people can learn and grow
- Encouraging new experiences
- Supporting skill development
- Avoiding limiting assumptions
High expectations should always be paired with appropriate support.
15. Communication Access - Everyone communicates, even if they do not use spoken language.
Communication access means supporting people in the ways that work best for them, including:
- AAC devices
- Sign language
- Visual supports
- Gestures
- Written communication
- Plain language
- Extra processing time
