Debra Ruh’s Post

DISABILITY INCLUSION PRACTICES: A NSW HIGH SCHOOL Debra Ruh During the late 1980s early '90s this school adopted a policy for light sensitive learners. "Paradoxically, adjustments improved students’ marks and thereby enhanced the reputations of their teachers. When Higher School Certificate results were discussed in staff meetings, no one thought about adjustments. The numbers of students in your class who passed, failed, or excelled was much more significant. Those numbers might determine whether you were given an HSC class the following year. If students in your class had been given assistance, then their results changed from fail to pass or above. Curiously, staff did not see that connection." [Excerpt from my book.] The story of policymaking in that NSW school is told in my book " Light Sensitive Learners: Unveiling Policy Inaction, Marginalisation, Discrimination". [Google the title to find a bookseller in your country or try Amazon.]

I am often asked for advice on how to “sell” accessible and inclusive garden design in public and private spaces. I can see these people hope for a impenetrable list of justifications and benefits they can pass on to get projects greenlit. My advice is always to turn the tables and simply ask for a justification why these spaces shouldn’t be universally designed and inclusive for all. It’s often met with a bit of shock to be honest. Because we just don’t think reflexively enough about the idea that access and inclusion (I believe these things are different too btw) is a basic human right. So I loved seeing this as it re-affirms my position within greenspace design. AND this approach applies to all disadvantaged groups too. Not just within disability. #greenspace #landscapedesign #therapeutichorticulture #inclusion #disability #disabilityrights

And to add, most of the time these practices are simple to implement. Inclusion is best!

And to add, most of the time these practices are simple to implement. Inclusion is best!

When you're asked to implement disability inclusion practices, it's not an added burden. It's simply upholding basic human rights. #WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityRights #Accessibility #Ableism #Equity #Equality #HumanRights 

When you're asked to implement disability inclusion practices, it's not an added burden. It's simply upholding basic human rights. #DisabilityInclusion #WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #DisabilityRights #Accessibility #Ableism #Equity #Equality #HumanRights

It's doing what should have been done from the beginning.

community supporting all forms of community, building connections, collaborations, & friendships, seeking solutions & innovation is necessary. Disability includes invisible, mental health, medical, physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurodiverse, vision, hearing, the young, the old, born with, obtained, degenerative, genetic, all races, genders, & identities, & all financial brackets. Human Rights, embracing community, building supportive connections & solutions- let's get it! Picture shown: black background with white lettering

Agreed- Implementing disability inclusion practices isn't just about compliance; it's a profound statement about our values and commitments as organizations. At Scribely, we recognize that accessibility isn't just a checkbox—it's a transformative approach to business and societal progress. Let's continue to advocate for disability rights, advance accessibility technologies, and foster inclusive workplaces where every individual can contribute and thrive.   Together, we can build a future where access is universal and diversity is celebrated. #DisabilityInclusion #WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #DisabilityRights #Accessibility #Ableism #Equity #Equality #HumanRights

Yes! This is also why one of our accessibility goals at DIAL Design is awareness with a specific purpose of helping people form the knowledge and empathy needed to change the accessibility conversation from just a commercial angle (what/how can companies gain?) to a social one too (how can we make our products/services better for everyone regardless of their pocket size?). #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness