Our differences make us unique and, when considering how to reach audiences, it’s essential to take a people-oriented approach to inclusivity.
At Avid Core, we keep accessibility and inclusivity at the forefront of our outreach and communications strategies. These include developing messaging and materials that are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), so that our work is accessible for audiences with disabilities. We also prioritize developing multilingual materials for non-English speakers.
We take this approach because we believe everyone should feel empowered to participate in the initiatives, programs, and processes that may impact their lives.
As a part of our efforts to stay updated with the latest Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) best practices, our own Rossana Gonzalez participated in a virtual training session titled “Best Practices for Inclusive Language Communication,” led by Chelsea Lee from the American Psychological Association (APA).
During this training session, Rossana learned more about how inclusive language encourages stakeholder participation, supports an open dialogue, and ensures all audiences are recognized and respected.
The following highlights from this training will help you ensure consistent use of inclusive language:
- Embrace an Inclusive Mindset
Adopting an inclusive approach starts with humility and openness. Recognize that everyone brings unique perspectives to the table and avoid assuming your viewpoint is universal—it isn’t.
Remember that intentions matter, but the impact on your audience matters more. Be prepared to learn and adapt as the need for inclusive language grows and evolves.
- Avoid Bias
Part of crafting inclusive language is being mindful of bias and biased language—and then seeking how to correct it. These principles will help guide you:
- Specificity: Describe people with the appropriate level of detail, focusing on characteristics relevant to your message. For instance, you want to write about a specific age group and gender identity. In this case, it would be appropriate to use language such as “nonbinary teens.”
- Respect Labels: Use terms people prefer. Avoid outdated or stigmatizing terms, and consider person-first language (e.g., “person with a disability”) or identity-first language (e.g., “blind person”) based on individual preferences.
- Navigate Topics with Sensitivity
When discussing potentially sensitive topics such as age, race, cultural background, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, or socioeconomic status, use terms that reflect a person’s dignity without implying or imparting judgment.
For example, write “people experiencing homelessness” rather than “the homeless.” Inclusivity also involves using gender-neutral terms like “firefighter” instead of “fireman.”
- Improve Continuously
Pursuing inclusive language is a journey and a commitment that requires seeking diverse resources, consulting reliable sources, and following ongoing conversations via the media and advocacy groups.
To keep informed, explore and interact with a wide variety of stories and experiences. This will help you gather key information and broaden your knowledge of social history and your point of view. Check out films—particularly documentaries—and social media pages focused on self-advocacy to learn more about best practices and the histories of marginalized groups. Watch events like the Paralympics!
Whatever tools you use to advance inclusion, the most important thing is to listen to your audience. This work will always require further refinement, but striving for a deeper understanding is an essential step in creating better inclusion strategies for your outreach and communications projects.
Resources
Explore the APA’s Inclusive Language Guide to learn more about its basic principles, general terms related to equity and power, person-first versus identity-first language, and identity-related terms. Last but not least, consult our blog series for expert tips on Accessibility in Communications!
Highlights from training on Best Practices for Inclusive Language