Pic 14: The next slide has the text “You can do this by:” and a series of bullet points.
Not making assumptions
Paying attention to their body language
Accepting that their answer might not be what you were hoping for
Respecting their wishes and their privacy
Being willing to take responsibility and apologize when you make mistakes
Not pushing for more detail than they’re willing to give
Pic 15: The next slide has the following text:
Make sure to:
Do your own research
Reflect on any gaps you may have in your knowledge or understanding of DEI
Practice these actions regularly
Be mindful of any labor you’re asking of the person
Pic 16: The screen returns to the group at the table. Two text boxes appear next to Frank, one which reads “Person-First Language: person who uses a wheelchair” and another which reads “Identity-First Language: wheelchair user.”
Frank: In the disability community, some prefer person-first language (person who uses a wheelchair) while others prefer identity-first language (wheelchair user). Like with all things, ask. Because we want to respect and affirm each individual person’s choice of the language they use for themselves.
Amira: So Frank, how do you identify?
Pic 17: The previous text disappears and the words “white,” “straight,” “cis man,” and “wheelchair user” appear under Frank. After a moment, the word “Frank” is added with an asterisk.
Frank: I’m a white straight cis man and a wheelchair user. Or you can just call me Frank (said with a smile and a chuckle).
Pic 18: The screen changes to a slide with text at the top that reads “Take a moment to think about how you identify.” The words “race,” “sexual orientation,” “ethnicity,” and “ability” appear in thought bubbles. Next to these thought bubbles is text that reads “Think about all the different parts of your identity.”
We all have a complex identity that makes us who we are.
Pic 19: The screen returns to the group at the table.
Amira: It’s not enough to think only about the words we use. We also need to consider how our actions can negatively impact others. For example, I scheduled a meeting with Frank in my second-floor office. We hadn’t met yet, and I wasn’t aware he uses a wheelchair.
Frank: The elevator was down, so I had to ask for a change in location. It might not seem like a big deal, but I have to make these asks all the time. And that’s draining. It’s easy for me to feel like people don’t care if I’m there. So, when we met, I brought it up.
Amira: And I’m glad he did. Because now I make sure I ask if there are any accommodation considerations.
Frank: Her intent was never harmful, but that doesn’t change how I felt.
Eve: When we think about our actions, we usually think about why we did it. But when someone else does something, we focus on how it made us feel.
Pic 20: The screen changes to a slide with text at top that reads “When we focus on our own intentions, we might say:” and a figure crossing their arms underneath. Around the figure are numerous word bubble examples in red text.
“I never meant any harm”
“I’m not racist”
“It was never my intent”
“I’m not homophobic”
“I’m not sexist”
“I’m sorry if you were offended by what I said”
Pic 21: The next slide has text at the to which reads “When we focus on our own impact, we might say:” with a new, blue figure with more open body language and a number of word bubble examples in blue text.
“I am sorry what I said and did was offensive.”
“I can see how that was hurtful.”
“I take responsibility for what I said and I’m working on it.”
“I’ll do better next time.”
Pic 22: The screen returns to the group at the table.
Amira: In considering the impact of my actions, Frank helped me realize I need to think more about physical accessibility. But I didn’t stop there, I also try to think about how I consider all kinds of accessibility. Like the colors I use in my presentations or making sure I turn on closed captions. By incorporating accessibility into my planning, I save the work and vulnerability of someone needing to tell me something isn’t working.
Frank: What matters is being proactive and working towards having our words and actions meet our value of inclusion. And when they don’t, we need to realize it, accept it, and adjust.