A New IDEA Around the DE&I Discussion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion, known by the acronym DE&I, is the collective effort that promotes a diverse community, ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for all individuals. DE&I is all about fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It ensures that every individual, regardless of background or identity, has equal opportunities to contribute, grow, and succeed.
In recent years, discussions surrounding DE&I have become a lot more prevalent and we are beginning to see public perception shift in a positive way. We’re seeing businesses make major investments in DE&I and those that do are seeing a positive impact from prioritizing these DE&I initiatives. These conversations and investments are a crucial part of fostering a more equitable world where everyone, regardless of background or ability, feels valued and included. However, amidst these discussions, there remains a pivotal aspect that often does not receive the attention it deserves: Accessibility.
While DE&I traditionally focuses on diversity in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities, adding Accessibility (A) to this conversation emphasizes the importance of accommodating individuals with disabilities.
A major voice in the conversation around accessibility is President, founder, and CEO of R.A.M.P. and disability advocate, Tina Guenette. Guenette encourages people to “Be the IDEA,” which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. In May of 2024, Guenette unveiled the R.A.M.P. Business Sticker, which is her organization’s “Stamp of Approval” for Rhode Island businesses and a signal to everyone with mobility challenges that they, too, have access to these businesses.
“We have trillions of dollars to spend. Let us send them to your businesses” says Guenette. “We’re fighting for this not to hurt you, but to help you. To raise you, uplift you, to let more people in… We want to dance, we want to drink, we want to have fun, we want to go out and party, but we can’t do that if you don’t let us in…”
Guenette’s perspective highlights the transformative impact of integrating accessibility into the broader DE&I framework, reinforcing the principle that true inclusion encompasses the full spectrum of human diversity.
Why Accessibility Matters
For many individuals with disabilities, barriers to accessibility can limit their independence and opportunities for social engagement. Simple tasks that others take for granted—like accessing a building, using public transportation, or navigating a website—can become daunting challenges when accessibility measures are lacking.
That’s why embracing accessibility is about innovation and progress. When we design with accessibility in mind, we create solutions that benefit everyone. Some things that can have a major impact have become ubiquitous, like accessible restrooms or captions on videos. These simple solutions have enriched the lives of individuals with disabilities while also enhancing convenience and usability for the general population.
How You Can Support Accessibility
On July 26, 1990, the country made huge strides with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. This was a major accomplishment for the accessibility community, but now nearly 35 years later there are still some limitations to these laws. Ultimately, it’s on us to do what we can to make our homes, businesses, and workplaces accessible to everyone.
Here are a few ways to make your space more accessible. Click here for Amramp’s Home Safety Checklist which outlines the areas in your home to consider from the perspective of accessibility:
Homes:
- Install ramps or lifts where feasible, especially at entryways.
- Ensure doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
- Use lever-style door handles that are easier to operate than traditional knobs.
- Install grab bars in bathrooms to assist with mobility and safety.
Businesses:
- Provide accessible parking spaces close to entrances.
- Ensure all areas of your establishment are wheelchair accessible, including restrooms.
- Use clear signage with large, readable fonts and high color contrast.
- Train staff to be knowledgeable and respectful when interacting with customers with disabilities.
Workplaces:
- Offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse needs.
- Provide ergonomic furniture and adjustable desks to support different physical abilities.
- Ensure digital accessibility by using screen reader-compatible software and websites.
- Foster an inclusive culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their accommodation needs.
This Disability Pride Month, let’s celebrate diversity in all its forms, including disability. Let’s commit to building a more accessible and inclusive world where everyone can live, work, and participate fully, regardless of ability. Together, we can ensure that accessibility becomes an integral part of the DE&I conversation, creating a brighter, more equitable, and more accessible future for all.
