Why we should include disabled people in all issues

Becky
Sep 25
2 min read

Whether you’re asking for public feedback on a proposal or sharing information with your audience, it’s important to include disabled people and make your work accessible.

Inclusion and accessibility aren’t just “disability issues.” Disabled people are part of every community, and their voices should be heard on every issue. When we plan and design with accessibility in mind, it benefits everyone - not just disabled people.

Disabled people are part of every community

Nearly 1 in 4 people in the UK are disabled. This means every issue, whether about health, housing, transport, education, or local services, also affects disabled people.

A group of diverse people with different disabilities.

Disabled women deserve to have a say in women’s healthcare.

Disabled carers should be able to access information about support in formats they can use.

Disabled people in rural areas should be consulted about changes to public transport.

At Easy Read Online, we’ve worked on resources and surveys across a wide range of topics, from transport and housing to healthcare guides. Disabled people’s input is always relevant.

Understanding and overcoming barriers

Disabled people often face more barriers than non-disabled people. That’s why their perspectives are vital in planning services, policies, and projects.

By listening to disabled people, we discover solutions and ideas that others may not think of - making services stronger and more effective for everyone.

Changes that help everyone

When accessibility is built in for disabled people, others benefit too.

For example, drop curbs on pavements help wheelchair users, but also parents with prams and travellers with suitcases.

An illustration of a dropped kerb on a concrete slab path with a wheelchair user using it.

Easy Read resources help people with learning disabilities, but they also help anyone who wants access to important information in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

Accessibility creates better, fairer systems for all of us.

A fairer world

Everyone deserves to have a say in the issues that affect their lives. By ensuring disabled people are included in decision-making and communication, we move closer to a fairer society that values everyone’s voice.

Illustration of the world resting in someones hands.

What can you do now?

If you want more disabled people to take part in your work, think about the different ways people need to communicate and access information:

Use accessible formats like Easy Read, Large Print or Braille.
Make sure websites and downloadable content meet web-accessibility guidelines, like WCAG.
Add clear subtitles to videos.
Provide sign language interpretation at public events.
Offer information in other languages and/or Plain English.
Give people options for contacting you, like email, phone, text, text-relay, or video call.

Making your work inclusive is a team effort, and we’re here to help. By transforming your information into Easy Read, we can make it easier for people with learning disabilities to take part and have their say.

Get in touch with our Easy Read Online team to find out more.