The equality act of 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society (gov.uk). According to UK parliament there is an estimated 16 million people in the UK with a debility in 2021/22. This represents 24% of the total population.
Inclusion is something we have been endeavouring to foster since my own wheelchair dance training in 2014. Welcoming children of all abilities into our classes has always been a passion and many have done their extra qualification to deliver extra sessions as well. However, it was in 2020 when I started thinking more about welcoming and these values into our network of franchisees.
I met Jack known as the one leg dancer on TikTok who is an amputee and dances with positivity, showing how his different ability doesn’t hold him back. Documenting his journey into life with one leg and the barriers and attitudes from society made me think about how we can champion more about disability dance. Assumptions are always made about what someone can’t do instead of focusing on what they can do and what adjustments can we all make to enable someone to work successfully in your franchise.
So how can we practically make this happen? Working with charities and professionals plus those with lived experiences is key in endeavouring to use inclusive language in your messaging and communications. They can help you with education and training of your team and the way they want their message explained. This can be across your digital marketing, your website and social media.
It’s great to see more representation across TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, The Last Leg, Soccer Aid, Doctor Who etc. Even if you don’t have employees or customers within your business who have a disability you want to ensure they feel welcomed and that’s where representation matters, to want to be involved with a business people need to be seen. If you don’t have any franchisees or employees with different abilities or that don’t want to be interviewed or photographed and you want to show your inclusive ethos then think about how you can show your values:
- support such charities or highlight their work and events
- write blogs or share news of disability and inclusive events
- celebrate achievements that are relevant to your business
- attend events and exhibitions
- sponsor or support awards that’s have inclusive values.
The main element to remember is everyone is an individual and have their own journeys so speak to them with respect and open communication, ask them how they like to be addressed and preferred language. Legally ensure you have accessibility in place but also ask what adaptations you can put in place for them personally. Equity means considering the needs of others and doing our best to give everyone the same opportunities and experiences.
