Inclusive Communication

Inclusive communication means using language and imagery in a way that makes everyone feel welcomed, valued and respected. 

Irrespective of whether you’re creating content for a broad audience or speaking directly with one person, our inclusive communication resources have been put together to help ensure that you’re doing so in a way that makes everyone feel they belong.

Why is inclusive language important?

Everyone wants to feel they belong, and language is a fundamental way to express this in our interactions with others.

It’s no surprise that organisations are developing inclusive language guides as a key strategy towards an inclusive culture. In education and training, inclusive teaching should include inclusive language because at the heart of teaching and learning is the individual. 

Our inclusive language resources have useful information on fostering inclusive cultures through language, intersectionality, training and guidance on how to develop your own guide.

Why is visual representation important?

Another essential way to foster an inclusive culture is through visual representation.

Your students, staff, visitors, and stakeholders should be able to see themselves as part of your community. Communications and marketing teams and content creators have a responsibility to ensure that the images used on websites, social media and printed collateral represent people with disability and other, often marginalised, communities in a positive and authentic way.

We have created some guidance on inclusive imagery to consider when producing material that fosters positive portrayals of people with disability, best practice, and resources to assist in positive and inclusive visual representation.

(April 2023)