Why I try to avoid the word 'inclusion' and use 'diverse/diversity' instead:
This might feel like nitpicking to some, but words matter, and words have power.
When researching and designing within the neurodiverse community, I see the word 'inclusion' everywhere. But what do we mean when we say that we are designing for inclusion? Who are we including and where are we including them? Are we including the neurodiverse community in a neurotypical-informed world, or are we including neurotypicals in a neurodiverse-informed world? Who gets to decide which worldview is the "right one"?
When we use the word 'inclusion', it can potentially (and very likely) be excluding – insisting on some kind of hierarchy where some get to be included in others' worlds. At the same time, it can also feel assimilating for marginalized voices when inclusion insists on universality, reducing diverse perspectives and needs to small adjustments.
I try to use the term 'diversity' more – advocating for diverse perspectives and diverse ways of being in the world, in hopes of limiting the hierarchically informed perspectives in our society.
#neurodiverse #neurodivergent #neurodiverseinformedperspectives #inclusion #inclusivedesign #pluriversaldesign #designfordiversity #designforinclusion #diversity #neurodiversity
