For the entire world, including everyone and everything inside of it, it has, and will always be about survival- the single greatest denominator of mankind. The biosphere mustn’t only breathe, mankind must constantly design and develop a culture that enables it to compete well and survive.
In the 20th century, we spent an awful lot of time on matters, including industry, efficiency and the need for aggressive industrialization. In this century, we spend a lot of time talking about creativity, communication, and collaboration. Now called a knowledge-based economy, today, it seems to be that the more the quality of our knowledge and innovative capacity, the better off our quality of life is going to be.
Yet, man, for the sake of his future, has recognized the need for inclusion in every facet of its affairs- in social and cultural practices, in leadership and management, and in policy and legislation. We have now recognized the significance of inclusion in the business of man. All of us, particularly in the disabled community, now understand that incorporating the principles of inclusion is how we can all get ahead.
However, as famous as the word “inclusion” has gotten in this era, it has considerably been misunderstood and abused. A whole lot of people in and outside of the disabled community, in particular, are oblivious to what the word inclusion practically signifies. We understand inclusion in theory and concept, but not in practice and principles. And that’s a problem.
Here are TEN (10) fundamental principles of inclusion:
- Inclusion is tolerance: Tolerance is acceptance of others cultures and attitudes even though these cultures and beliefs are in a somewhat opposite direction with ours. It’s essential to have a spirit of togetherness. That’s how to get ahead.
- Inclusion is about all of us, not us and them: If inclusion is to work well, every community and minority, including factions and parties must recognize that regardless of our differences, we are one nation under God; that what binds us together is greater than what drives us apart.
- Inclusion is about bringing people together: Inclusion isn’t isolation: Inclusion isn’t saying we are deaf, we are blind, we are quadriplegics, and so we are different than others, and we need to separate ourselves from others who aren’t deaf, blind and quadriplegic. That’s a self-destructive notion.
- Inclusion is about TWO, not ONE: Inclusion isn’t singular. Inclusion is plural. Inclusion isn’t mono-cultural. Inclusion is bicultural. Inclusion is a multiplicity. It is variance and diversity- banding together bodies despite differences and attitudes for the mutual advancement of all.
- Inclusion is bridging differences: Inclusion is about finding less and less of what makes us different, rather than looking for more and more for what makes us distinct. Inclusion is about closing divides.
- Inclusion denounces aggression toward others, but advocates for the treatment of others with dignity: Everyone, regardless of sex, station, and disability status, deserves respect. Inclusion is about treating others with dignity and respect even though we do not know them or we do not agree with them.
- Inclusion finds common ground: Regardless of the weight of differences and arguments between peoples or a people, an inclusive spirit would look for a common ground- an opportunity for closure or agreement.
- Inclusion attracts not repels: An inclusive spirit accepts. It considers. It accommodates. It draws in. it adopts. It adapts.
- Inclusion is less sensitive, more stoic, more compassionate: Inclusion does not easily take offense. It’s has reduced antennae, increased empathy and a constantly developed sense of earthiness.
- Inclusion is broad-mindedness: An inclusive spirit isn’t narrow-minded. It’s liberal, yet firm. It’s sophisticated, yet restrained. It’s teachable, yet principled. With an eclectic intake, it sees wide and wild.
Inclusion is more than enacting and implementing a piece of legislation or policy. Inclusion is culture. It’s attitude. It’s all about attitude- no technicalities. If we, as a community, want a significant change in government priorities that improve our resources and opportunities, a change in our own attitude- how we see the world and our neighbours who may not share the same struggles and strains that we do, is very consequential. But more essential to our shared future and prosperity as a community of the disabled is our understanding of the principles and practice of inclusion
It is hoped that we may consider fitting in a true inclusive spirit in our own personal cultures and outlooks.
We wish you every success.
Happy New Year!