During our recent panel discussion, “Reimagining Accessibility: Decolonized and Intersectional Perspectives,” we explored the nuanced ways in which identity and ability intersect, particularly through the lenses of Indigenous and racialized experiences. This session offered a wealth of insights, particularly aimed at organizational leaders and change-makers focused on enhancing equity and accessibility in their practices.
Understanding Intersectionality in Accessibility
The term intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, was a focal point of the discussion. It’s vital for leaders to recognize that employees do not experience discrimination in isolation—factors such as race, gender, ability, and sexuality are interwoven, affecting how individuals interact with the world and the specific barriers they face. This complexity necessitates a multifaceted approach to workplace policies and practices.
Key Insights from the Panelists
Karen Bernard: Integrating the Mi’kmaw Perspective Karen Bernard shared powerful insights from her experiences as a Mi’kmaw woman navigating systems not designed with her community in mind. Her personal story of misdiagnosis and educational challenges highlights the systemic barriers that often mislabel indigenous people as less capable. Karen’s advocacy stresses the importance of recognizing indigenous ways of learning and interacting, urging institutions to consider these perspectives when designing accessibility measures. Her journey underscores the need to challenge our preconceptions and to recognize the diverse abilities within indigenous communities, viewing them through a lens of capability rather than deficiency.
Liza Arnason: Advocating for Black Disabled Women Liza Arnason’s contributions brought to light the unique challenges faced by Black, disabled women. Her narrative underscored the importance of recognizing how race and disability intersect to create unique barriers in educational and professional environments. Liza advocated for policies that explicitly address these intersections, ensuring that Black women with disabilities are provided with the necessary tools and accommodations to succeed.
Harmon Singh: The Immigrant Experience in Accessibility Harmon Singh shared her experiences as an immigrant woman advocating for disability rights. Her story illustrated the additional layers of complexity that immigrant populations face when accessing services designed without their specific needs in mind. Harmon’s perspective is crucial for understanding how cultural and linguistic barriers can exacerbate accessibility issues, making a strong case for more inclusive and culturally sensitive policy frameworks.
Practical Steps for Leaders
Implement Inclusive Hiring Practices: Organizations should consider providing interview questions in advance to accommodate those who might need more time to prepare, reflecting a commitment to neurodiversity and cognitive accessibility. This practice can help mitigate biases that favor candidates who can think quickly on their feet over those who might excel in the role with proper support.
Educate and Train on Intersectionality: Continuous education on the complexities of intersectionality is crucial. Training sessions that delve into how various forms of discrimination overlap can equip team leaders and employees with the knowledge to support their colleagues better and foster a more inclusive workplace.
Audit and Adapt Workspaces: Conducting regular audits of physical and cultural accessibility can identify barriers that might not be evident. This includes evaluating everything from physical access to the inclusiveness of social interactions and team dynamics.
Promote Leadership from Marginalized Groups: Empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to take on leadership roles within the organization. This not only provides valuable perspectives that can shape company policies and practices but also signals to employees that the organization values diversity at all levels.
Conclusion
The panel “Reimagining Accessibility: Decolonized and Intersectional Perspectives” highlighted the urgent need for a nuanced approach to accessibility that incorporates the diverse experiences of indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and immigrants. Karen Bernard’s insights around disability from the Mi’kmaw perspective, Liza Arnason’s focus on the intersections of race and disability, and Harmon Singh’s experiences as an immigrant woman all demonstrate the complex realities that must be considered when crafting accessibility policies. By embracing an intersectional approach, organizations can ensure that their environments are truly inclusive, respecting and utilizing the diverse talents and perspectives of all employees. This commitment to understanding and addressing intersectional needs is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage in building resilient, innovative, and inclusive workplaces.