Creating Inclusive Spaces for Young People and Beyond

This blog aims to unpack:

• What Is Inclusion?
• Why Has Inclusivity Become Controversial?
• Why Inclusivity Matters and Its Positive Impact on Communities
• The Connection Between Inclusivity and Bullying Prevention
• How to Make Spaces More Inclusive
• Overcoming Barriers to Inclusivity
• Inspiring the Next Generation to Embrace Inclusivity

Inclusion is about more than simply having diverse people in a space. It’s about recognizing and valuing differences while creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully.

Inclusive spaces are those where individuals from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences are not only accepted but are celebrated. These spaces remove barriers to participation, ensuring that no one is excluded or marginalized.

At the heart of inclusivity is the recognition that diversity is a strength.

Whether it’s acknowledging racial differences, gender identities, physical abilities, or cultural backgrounds, inclusivity values these differences rather than trying to erase them. Inclusive spaces actively work to remove any barriers that may prevent someone from fully engaging.
For example:

• Schools that celebrate cultural diversity create environments where students from all backgrounds can feel like they belong.
• Sports teams that allow people of a variety of physical and mental backgrounds.
• Workplaces that provide accessibility accommodations and equitable policies empower employees to thrive, regardless of any challenges they might face.
• Community centers that offer programs tailored to all demographics help ensure that everyone can participate and contribute to their communities.

Inclusion isn’t just a morally good thing to work towards. It’s a quantifiable need within our communities, America, and the broader world.

A study from Florida International University noted that in 2019, the US Department of Education (USDOE, 2022) reported that students with disabilities across the country, ages 5–21, who received special education services in inclusive classrooms was 64.8%, a substantial increase from 19 years prior, in 2000, when the percentage was 46.5%.
The study concluded that inclusion is critical for education and beyond: “Many students who fall on the wrong side of any of these factors are excluded and segregated from their peers, at first in an educational setting and later in society. We must further examine the placement of students in inclusion to ensure that all students have an equitable chance of being an inclusive member of our society.”

For adults with disabilities, inclusion impacts nearly every aspect of life. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reported the following when it comes to medical care:

• Four in 10 adults with disabilities reported experiencing unfair treatment in healthcare settings, at work, or when applying for public benefits because of their disabilities or other personal characteristics in 2022. 
• 71 percent of adults with disabilities who reported experiencing unfair treatment in healthcare settings reported a subsequent disruption to care, including delaying (54%) or forgoing (50%) needed care and not following clinician recommendations (31%).

A lack of an inclusive environment also negatively impacts someone’s ability to work.

• Almost half (46%) of adults with disabilities who experienced unfair treatment in workplaces reported looking for a new job because of the way they were treated. 
• Black and Hispanic/Latin adults with disabilities were more likely to report unfair treatment because of their race, ethnicity, country of origin, or primary language compared to White adults with disabilities. 

Another survey found that 25% of job applicants with disabilities have experienced discrimination within the job interview process.

We need to distinguish between inclusion and assimilation briefly. The two ideas are often conflated by people wanting to misrepresent inclusion as “dangerous.”

Inclusivity values differences and encourages individuals to bring their whole selves to the table.

Assimilation, on the other hand, often pressures people to conform to a dominant culture, sometimes at the cost of their unique identities.

True inclusion respects individuality, while assimilation demands conformity.

While inclusivity should be a straightforward concept, it has become a point of contention in today’s polarized world. Misunderstandings about what inclusivity really means have led some to frame it as “special treatment” or “political correctness,” rather than as a way of fostering equity and fairness for all.

Some people misunderstand inclusivity; they think it means giving preference to certain groups or making everyone the same.

However, true inclusivity recognizes that every person is unique and deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their background or identity. It’s about leveling the playing field and providing equal opportunities for all.

Resistance to inclusivity often comes from discomfort with addressing privilege and systemic biases. Many people, especially those who have never experienced discrimination, may not understand why inclusivity is necessary or feel threatened by the idea of sharing power and resources more equitably.

Moreover, the data presented throughout this blog can be misinterpreted, misrepresented or outright overshadowed by stories shared across social media.

We’ve seen it time and again online.

In our digital age, misinformation spreads quickly, and social media can amplify misconceptions about inclusive policies. Political and cultural debates often frame inclusivity as something divisive rather than unifying. The rhetoric surrounding inclusivity has become so polarized that it can be difficult to have productive conversations about how to make spaces more welcoming and equitable.

For example, let’s look at one common misunderstanding around inclusion efforts in schools, as discussed by Inclusive Schools Network: “Inclusion means students with behavioral challenges will remain in the general education classroom, even when they significantly disrupt the learning process.”

Some parents worry that inclusion means that students with behavioral challenges will continually interrupt their child’s education. However, as the Inclusive Schools Network notes, inclusive classrooms are rooted in providing proactive and evidence-based interventions to support those students.
In short, inclusivity concerns stem from elaborate “what ifs” instead of “this is what it is.”

To speak plainly, inclusivity benefits everyone, not just marginalized groups.

Diverse environments foster creativity, innovation, and better decision-making, which are beneficial to individuals and society as a whole.

Inclusivity is not just a moral imperative; we’ve seen its tangible benefits for individuals and communities. When we prioritize inclusivity, we promote fairness, strengthen social bonds, and unlock the potential for innovation and progress.
And, despite what misinformation might suggest, most employed Americans support DEI and inclusion efforts at work.

For a majority of employed U.S. adults (56%), focusing on increasing DEI at work is a good thing, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

Let’s unpack why inclusion and inclusive environments matter.

Inclusivity ensures that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources. For young people, this means access to quality education, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities without discrimination. Being part of a diverse classroom helps them develop social skills, improve academic performance, and build meaningful friendships.

It also fosters empathy and understanding among peers, creating a supportive community that values diversity.
By promoting inclusivity, we can help reduce disparities and level the playing field for everyone, regardless of their background.

Inclusive spaces foster mutual respect and understanding, which are essential for creating strong, cohesive communities. When people feel valued for who they are, they are more likely to engage in positive social interactions and work collaboratively toward common goals. Inclusivity also reduces social tensions, as it encourages open dialogue and empathy.

When people from diverse backgrounds come together, they bring unique perspectives and ideas. This diversity of thought can lead to innovative solutions and creative problem-solving. Educators, for example, often learn differentiated instruction, where teaching strategies are adapted to meet varied learning styles, ultimately benefiting all students.

In schools, workplaces, and communities, inclusivity encourages individuals to think outside the box and challenge the status quo, which can lead to new and better ways of doing things.

Some of the biggest examples of inclusion paying off come from, of all places, the corporate sector. National chains like Publix, Walgreens, and Microsoft actively uphold inclusive hiring practices.

“We want our associates to reflect the communities that we serve, and persons with disabilities are definitely a large part of that segment” said Publix’s Greta Dupuy in an interview with the Able Trust.

We also see success with organizations like the Special Olympics, where athletes of all backgrounds excel in something universal: the joy of sport. The organization supports over 5 million athletes worldwide and has made both sports more accessible to people with intellectual disabilities but also brought together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to learn from each other.

Creating inclusive spaces requires intentional action from individuals, families, schools, and communities. Here are some ways to make different environments more inclusive:

Teaching empathy and respect from an early age is key to raising inclusive children. Families can celebrate differences by discussing diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences. Encouraging children to learn about and appreciate diversity helps foster inclusive attitudes that they will carry into their broader communities.

Adopting inclusive curricula that reflect diverse perspectives is an essential step in creating inclusive schools. Schools should also establish clear anti-bullying policies and provide support for marginalized students. Providing resources for teachers and staff to promote inclusivity can also help create a more supportive learning environment.

Communities can create inclusive spaces by hosting cultural celebrations and inclusive events that bring people together and celebrate diversity. Making public spaces accessible and welcoming—whether through ramps, language services, or other accommodations—ensures that everyone can participate fully in community life.

Digital platforms play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of inclusivity. Moderating online spaces to prevent hate speech and cyberbullying is essential for creating safe environments. Additionally, promoting diverse voices and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to share their perspectives can help foster inclusivity in the digital world.

While the benefits of inclusivity are clear, there are often barriers to creating inclusive spaces.

Overcoming resistance to change and addressing unconscious biases are two critical steps in fostering more inclusive environments.

Resistance to inclusivity often stems from a lack of understanding or fear of the unknown. Spaces like Spread the Word exist to help people find resources to improve inclusion within their schools, sports teams, and everyday lives.

By explaining the mutual benefits of inclusivity in clear, relatable terms, we can help others understand why it’s important. Involving all stakeholders—whether they are parents, educators, or community members—in the decision-making process can also help build support for inclusive initiatives.

Unconscious biases are the automatic judgments we make about people based on their race, gender, or other factors. Offering training on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for teachers, parents, and community leaders can help individuals recognize and challenge their biases. Encouraging self-reflection and creating opportunities for growth can lead to more inclusive attitudes.

Teaching young people about inclusivity is essential for creating a more equitable future. By fostering empathy, active listening, and leadership skills, we can inspire the next generation to champion inclusivity.

Role-playing activities and storytelling are powerful tools for helping young people understand the experiences of others. By engaging students in activities that promote empathy and active listening, we can help them develop the skills needed to engage inclusively with others.

A tool that we’re fans of at Spread the Word? Sports! Inclusive sports often require both empathy and active listening for teams to be successful. Special Olympics Unified Sports initiatives promote social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. Playing unified sports puts people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. The idea is simple: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

Encouraging young people to create and lead inclusive initiatives can help them feel empowered to make a difference. Recognizing and celebrating inclusive behaviors, whether it’s a student standing up for a peer or a group organizing a cultural event, reinforces the importance of inclusivity in everyday life.

Educators, parents, and community leaders—the next generation is watching YOU.

Your children are listening to what you say, seeing what you post online, and watching how you address people who don’t look and sound like them. You and other meaningful adults in your child’s life are the first line of defense in creating and protecting inclusion efforts.

By setting positive examples and sharing stories of successful inclusivity in action, we can inspire young people to continue the work of building inclusive spaces.