May 16, 2023
This is another message from Theo Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living.
Today’s topic is on DEIA.
It seems like more and more people are getting into Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) consulting.
Everyone is claiming to be an expert. Well, I am not an expert. The more I read and research on the topic of DEIA, the more I realize how little I actually know.
This I do know. There are plenty of businesses and organizations that want to be more diverse but don’t know how.
Plenty of businesses and organizations want to be more equitable but don’t know how.
Plenty of businesses and organizations want to be more inclusive but don’t know how.
And, finally, there are plenty of businesses and organizations that want to be more accessible but don’t know how.
By now one would think with all the how-to books and how-to videos, this would not be a problem.
This I also know. Moving towards more significant DEIA outcomes that yield real change is complex with no overnight solutions.
I also know it begins with not lying to yourself.
The first thing that must happen is for the business or organization to admit a problem does exist. Take these steps:
Look around your boardroom or look around your business or organization. Does everyone look the same? Same race? Same background? Same gender? This points to diversity.
Now as you look around, you might see men and women and say okay, we have both men and women, so we have diversity.
Then the question you must address is this. Are both the men and women employees treated fairly with pay and promotions? Well, this points to equity.
Now, look around again and observe how your male and female employees get along.
Do they tell ethnic jokes? Are there any bullies? Male or female dominance? This points to inclusion – a sense of belonging.
And finally, look around again because you made a fantastic effort on diversity and hired a person with a disability who uses a wheelchair.
You get an A+ for diversity, but can this person with a disability freely utilize your office facilities, restrooms, or exercise rooms? This points to accessibility.
This DEIA stuff is definitely complex. There are no easy, overnight solutions. It takes time and must continuously be a priority for decision-makers, the people with the power and influence.
I wish there were a how-to video out there. I would buy it and watch it. It would remind me again how little I know about DEIA.
Be well. This Theo Braddy from NCIL.
Image: Theo Braddy Headshot – A black man with a bald head, a salt and pepper full beard wearing eyeglasses, sitting in a wheelchair wearing an orange, blue, and white plaid dress shirt.