In this post, we include tips to make your signs, events, videos, and other content more accessible for all; how ableist language can easily be avoided (even if you didn't know you were using it); and how to join the Special Education PTSA.
Increase Accessibility in Your Materials
At work or at school, in your personal life or as a volunteer, do you ever create online content? Do you host events or put up signs? Do you host Zoom or other online meetings? Do you create and share videos online?
If so, we invite you to take a look at Rooted in Rights "Access That," a collection of resources to help you ensure your content and events (both virtual and in person) are accessible to people with disabilities.
You'll find tips that you can implement quickly and easily, and that will make a big difference to members of your community and audience!
Change Your Words to Change Your Impact
Even if we didn't realize it at the time, many of us have likely used ableist language that dehumanizes or marginalizes people with disabilities.
Harvard Business Review's article "Why You Need to Stop Using These Words and Phrases" shares how ableist language influences us, words and phrases to avoid, and how we can create vocabularies that are more empowering and inclusive.
As author Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar writes, "Using ableist language doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a person. But, if you have the privilege to change your vocabulary for the better, then why not try?"
Join the Shoreline Special Education PTSA
- Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan? Or do you think they need one?
- Looking for a community of caregivers that “get it"?
- Have students with IEPs or 504 plans in your class?
- Curious about inclusive education and want to learn more?
Educators, community members, caregivers, and students are invited to join the Shoreline Special Education PTSA.