Developing a guide to inclusive communication: a resource for tertiary education providers

Inclusion matters and the language and imagery we use is powerful. It can include and exclude. Everyone wants to be valued and respected wherever they choose to live, work, study and play.

ADCET has developed a new resource to assist tertiary education providers to develop inclusive language and visual representation guidelines as part of a broader diversity and inclusive strategy.

Developing a guide to inclusive communication: a resource for tertiary education providers is a blueprint for embedding inclusive language and visual representation within your organisation.

"Inclusive communication is a key part of an overall diversity and inclusion strategy which is embedded within every activity. ADCET is obviously focussed on disability inclusion but this Guide also takes an intersectional approach by addressing the many identities, perspectives and experiences of the diverse communities within tertiary education", said Darlene McLennan, Manager of ADCET.

Drawing on current best practice and expertise this guide will assist any organisation to develop guidelines for inclusive communication which fosters a welcoming, inclusive and empowering environment for people with disability and other marginalised groups.

The eight-step process of developing your resource includes collaboration with key stakeholders, people with lived expertise, and students and staff with lived experience drawn from across an organisation.

"In the same way as we are encouraging inclusion by embedding Universal Design for Learning and Accessible ICT Procurement, formalising Inclusive Communication becomes one of the interventions which is incorporated into every activity with positive outcomes", added Darlene.

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