Inclusion shouldn't be a thing that gets done

Inclusion should be a given, not an extra thing we have to do. it's not about accommodating differences but embracing them – where inclusion "IS" in every nook and cranny of our lives.

Think about "neuronormativity" – the idea that some ways of thinking and acting are seen as totally normal. It's how most people go about their day without a second thought; their whole environment is structurally and culturally set up to accommodate them. while those who think a bit differently often need to bend and change to complete simple tasks.

Picture this: Instead of neurodivergent folks having to figure out how to fit into a world made for "neurotypical" people, let's flip the script. Why not have a world where everyone's unique way of thinking is seamlessly part of everyday life?

Similarly, for people with (temporary) physical abilities. Most don't even notice how easy it is to get around – whether it's going to the bathroom, hitting the shops, or joining a workout session. It's just a given. But for folks with disabilities, it's a different story. They might need ramps, elevators, or accessible toilets to have the same access that those who have yet to experience disability take for granted.

In a world that truly gets inclusion, we wouldn't need special training on accessibility. It would be baked into every space, recognising and celebrating the diversity in how our bodies and our minds work.

So, how do we get there? It starts with changing how we think – from big institutions down to each one of us. Let's ensure everyone knows about the different ways people's minds work and our bodies' various abilities. As well as how much embracing difference, instead of enforcing an idea of an identical norm, benefits everyone. The world shouldn’t be built around just one type of being.

Don’t be aware of diversity; throw it a party!