Inclusion Hot Takes - 20/02/2025
A couple of weeks ago we asked the Evenbreak team for their ‘inclusion hot takes’, these sparked lots of conversation on TikTok and Instagram, proving to be a hit with our online community. Now, we’re bringing the discussion to LinkedIn with a special newsletter edition, sharing some of those hot takes while diving deeper into the reasoning behind them.
1. ‘Everyone needs to learn more about the social model, including disabled people’?
Everyone, including disabled people, needs a deeper understanding of this model because it enables us to challenge these barriers rather than internalise them. Without this understanding, even disabled people may unknowingly uphold medical model thinking, believing the issue lies within them rather than in the world around them.?
Understanding the social model fosters self-advocacy, allyship from non-disabled people, informs inclusive policy changes, and drives real accessibility improvements. Whilst it’s not a perfect model, it is preferable compared to other models because of the ‘work’ it encourages everyone to do, it helps us all challenge our own understanding of disability inclusion and what barriers we are upholding, despite it not being our lived experience.?
In a nutshell, the medical model very much focuses on the ‘I’ or ‘what can I do as a disabled person to access the world around me’, whereas the social model is the ‘we’ or ‘How can we remove barriers and ensure accessibility and inclusion of disabled people.
2. Don't forget that most conditions/disabilities aren't obvious (non-apparent).
Don't forget that most disabilities aren’t obvious.
Many people assume disability is always visible because of pre-existing ideas about what a disabled person “should” look like. In reality, 80% of disabilities are non-apparent. Take a moment to consider how many of your friends and family members might be neurodivergent or have a long-term health condition.
Disabled people aren’t a distant concept that only comes to mind when we see a disabled parking bay or accessible loo—we’re everywhere. Unfortunately, outdated perceptions of disability often prevent those with non-apparent conditions from accessing the support they need.
For example, I (Dayna, the Content and Engagement Manager at Evenbreak) have a long-term health condition and have been challenged for using an accessible bathroom—despite needing it due to my risk of fainting and falling. The red emergency cord in these spaces is essential for my safety.
This is just one example, but it highlights why we need to move beyond assumptions. Disability doesn’t have one look.
3. Authentic representation of disabled people in media matters.
Authentic representation of disabled people in media matters because it shapes public perceptions, influences policies, and impacts how disabled people see themselves.
Historically, disability in the media has been portrayed through harmful stereotypes either as tragic figures to pity or as “inspirational” stories framed around overcoming adversity. These narratives erase the reality of disabled lives, exclude our voices from conversations about us, and contribute to stigma.
When disabled people are authentically represented—telling their own stories, playing diverse roles, and being included beyond just disability-focused narratives—it challenges misconceptions and normalises disability as a natural part of society. It also ensures that the media reflects the real world, where 1 in 5 people are disabled.
Representation isn’t just about visibility; it’s about accuracy, nuance, and ensuring disabled people have control over their own narratives.
Let us know in the comments if you want a part two.?
Other announcements:?
Naidex 2025 is just around the corner, this is your reminder to book your tickets and make sure to come visit us, we’ll be in the Business without Barriers section with our recruitment fair with our fantastic partners ITV 凯度 Lloyd's Virgin Media O2 Heathrow 玛氏食品
Next week, we’ll be doing a special edition for Naidex 2025, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it.?
Featured Jobs of the week:?
?? PSR are hiring a Digital Delivery Manager
?? MNP are hiring a Developer, Power Platform & D365
?? Coca-Cola are hiring a Manager, Human Insights
Make sure to subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter with the latest disability updates in the recruitment and DE&I worlds. And follow us on social for more trailblazing content: Instagram, Facebook , Tiktok, and Linkedin.
Looking to take the next step and diversify your talent pool? Advertise your latest jobs on the Evenbreak platform. To discuss your inclusion journey contact our accounts team on: [email protected]
Corporate Partnerships Manager at AFK - Working With Disability
4 天前Great read - love the 'hot takes'
Leader | Coach | SEND Specialist | Supported Employment Champion | Speaker and Advocate
1 周Francesca Macauley