More Space for Everyone

Virgin Galactic made history again: expanding representation in space with the launch of the first mother-daughter duo to go to space and the first space tourist with Parkinson’s to launch. Lots of layers to the history-making in this launch; read more on the BBC News .

Representation matters.

I’ll write more in a future newsletter about Keisha Schahaff and Ana Mayers historic spaceflight.?

Today I’m thinking about how we can make Space for Everyone by making space for everyone through the inclusion of “the 15%” — people with disabilities.??

Communicators can ensure we’re driving inclusion by setting accessibility standards and sticking to them.?

Your website is a critical place to start. U.S. public entities are bound by 508 Standards, part of the Americans with Disabilities Act.?

Historically space exploration has been the domain of some of the fittest people on the planet. It’s one of the reasons it took so long before NASA sent women to space. With the emergence of space tourism, those artificial standards are changing.?

Read my thoughts on “making space for everyone.”

One way we can all drive inclusion is to tell and share the stories of people with disabilities. But there are standards and guidelines we should consider when writing. We’re people first.?

And one of my go-to resources online is social media strategist Alexa Heinrich . I subscribe to Alexa’s newsletter and follow the tips she shares on social to make sure I’m thinking about how the words and images I use on social can include more people.

What are your tips for driving inclusion through communications? What questions do you have? We love hearing from our subscribers so please comment below!