Inclusion Begins with Respecting Difference

True inclusion is not opening a door and then asking everyone to use the space in the same way; it means designing participation so every person can enter, choose and express themselves.

It is easy to say that society is for everyone, but the real test appears in the details. Can a person of determination reach the information? Can they participate without feeling like an exception? Do we ask about their needs or assume them? Do we see their ability before we see the disability?

The UAE National Policy for Empowering People of Determination aims to build an inclusive society across health, education, employment, social protection and public life. The word “empowerment” matters because it moves the perspective beyond care alone towards participation, independence and the right to access.

Inclusion is more than presence

A person may be physically present but unable to participate meaningfully. A student in a room without suitable material, an employee in a meeting without access support, or a website user whose screen reader cannot understand the page is present but not fully included.

Inclusion means designing as broadly as possible from the beginning, rather than waiting for a problem to appear and adding a temporary solution.

Ask, do not assume

Sometimes the most respectful sentence is: “How would you prefer me to help?” A person may need a different kind of support than we imagine, or may not need it at all.

Rushing to help without asking can remove independence, while ignoring the person completely can leave a barrier in place. Balance begins with listening.

Language shapes perception

The UAE term “people of determination” expresses recognition of ability and achievement. Positive language, however, is not enough when behaviour is based on pity or reduced expectations.

It is better to speak directly to the person, not only to a companion, and to avoid presenting them entirely through disability. They are a student, engineer, artist, athlete, father or mother before any other description.

Inclusion in content

A content creator can do a great deal:

• Provide alternative text for images.
• Add captions to video.
• Keep audio clear.
• Use sufficient contrast.
• Do not rely on colour alone.
• Avoid material that mocks disability or uses it for emotional exaggeration.

These simple practices expand the number of people who can reach knowledge.

Inclusion in social life

Inviting a person of determination to an activity is not enough when the place is inaccessible. Entrances, toilets, seating, language, transport and timing should be considered in advance.

Families can teach inclusion early: children should not stare or ridicule, and they should learn to ask politely when they need to understand.

From pity to partnership

Pity places a person in a weaker position, while partnership recognises their right and voice. When designing a programme or material related to people of determination, it is better to involve them in both design and evaluation.

This aligns with the heart of an inclusive society: we do not decide everything “about” people without them.

A simple exercise

Choose a place you use often: a website, council, hall or event. Ask:

1. Can a wheelchair user reach it?
2. Can a person with low vision read the information?
3. Is there an alternative to audio or visual content?
4. Does the language respect the person?
5. Can someone ask for help without embarrassment?

Every answer reveals an opportunity for improvement.

Inclusion begins when we stop treating difference as a problem to hide and begin seeing it as a human reality for which life must be designed. A society with room for difference is a better society for everyone.