Inclusion Means More Than Being Invited

S U P P O R T E D .  T R A I N E D .  R E S P E C T E D .

Being included is about much more than simply being invited. For someone who is blind or visually impaired, true inclusion means having the opportunity to participate, contribute, make choices, and feel like they genuinely belong.

Sometimes, we unintentionally create barriers because we make assumptions about what someone can or cannot do. We may speak for them, make decisions on their behalf, or leave them out of an activity because we assume it will be too difficult. While these choices may come from a place of wanting to help, they can unintentionally communicate that someone isn't capable of participating.

What if, instead of assuming, we asked?

A simple question like, “How can we make this accessible for you?” can open the door to a completely different experience.

Inclusion may look different for everyone. It could mean providing information in an accessible format, describing what is happening in a shared space, allowing additional time to navigate an unfamiliar environment, or simply asking what type of support would be helpful. The goal isn't to make every experience exactly the same for everyone. The goal is to make meaningful participation possible.

When we create space for people to participate in ways that work for them, we communicate something powerful: You belong here. Your voice matters. You are capable of contributing.

Take a moment to think about the spaces you interact with every day. Are there places in your home, workplace, school, or community where accessibility could be approached differently? Sometimes inclusion begins with one simple question: “What would make this accessible for you”?