Introduction to the Listen Include Respect Principles

Summary

The 'Listen Include Respect' initiative, developed by Inclusion International and Down Syndrome International, aims to foster inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. With input from over 1,500 individuals and 350 organizations across 100 countries, the principles were shaped by firsthand experiences of barriers faced by these individuals. Through surveys and focus groups, key practices for overcoming these barriers were identified. The principles offer organizations a clear guide to becoming more inclusive, ensuring respect and equal participation for people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of work and life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Inclusion International and Down Syndrome International created the 'Listen, Include, Respect' guidelines.
• 😀 The guidelines were developed with input from over 1,500 people across 350 organizations in 100 countries.
• 😀 A global survey, available in 10 languages, and over 60 inclusive-focused groups helped gather data.
• 😀 People with intellectual disabilities and their families shared insights about barriers to inclusion.
• 😀 The feedback also highlighted successful practices and solutions to overcome these barriers.
• 😀 The 'Listen, Include, Respect' principles are designed to help organizations become more inclusive.
• 😀 Understanding these principles is crucial for promoting inclusion within any organization.
• 😀 The principles underpin the entire journey to inclusion for organizations and individuals alike.
• 😀 The goal is to involve more people with disabilities in organizational activities and decision-making.
• 😀 The guidelines aim to break down barriers and promote an inclusive environment for people with intellectual disabilities.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'Listen Include Respect' principles?

The 'Listen Include Respect' principles aim to guide organizations toward greater inclusion and respect for people with intellectual disabilities, helping to remove barriers and ensure equal participation.

Who contributed to the creation of the 'Listen Include Respect' principles?

The principles were created with input from over 1,500 individuals from 350 organizations in 100 countries, including people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

What methods were used to gather input for the 'Listen Include Respect' guidelines?

Input was gathered through a global survey shared in 10 languages and more than 60 inclusive-focused groups and consultants, allowing people with intellectual disabilities to share their experiences and suggestions.

How many countries participated in the global survey for the 'Listen Include Respect' principles?

The survey reached 100 countries worldwide, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives were included.

What role did people with intellectual disabilities and their families play in developing these principles?

People with intellectual disabilities and their families provided valuable insights into the barriers they face and the good practices they have found to overcome these challenges, directly informing the guidelines.

What is the ultimate goal of the 'Listen Include Respect' principles for organizations?

The goal is to help organizations become more inclusive by providing them with clear principles to include people with intellectual disabilities and remove barriers to participation.

Why are the principles considered a key starting point for inclusion?

Understanding the principles is seen as the foundational step toward inclusion, offering organizations the necessary framework to make informed changes and improvements in accessibility.

What barriers were identified by people with intellectual disabilities during the consultation process?

Barriers identified included challenges in being included in organizations' work and the difficulties they face when participating in various activities and decision-making processes.

What solutions did participants suggest to overcome these barriers?

Participants shared various good practices and solutions that they had personally found effective in overcoming the barriers to inclusion, which helped shape the principles.

How can organizations use the 'Listen Include Respect' principles to improve their inclusivity?

Organizations can use the principles as a guide to implement best practices, overcome barriers, and ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are included in all aspects of their operations and activities.