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There’s a growing interest in learning ASL right now. Workplaces want to improve communication, service providers want to be more inclusive, and individuals are genuinely curious and motivated. On the surface, it looks like progress. But something isn’t translating. People are signing up for classes, attending a few sessions, learning some vocabulary, and then it fades. They stop using it.
Inclusive communication is often discussed in broad terms. Organizations say they value it, teams attend training sessions, and policies reference it. But when it comes to daily interactions, many people are still unsure what it actually looks like in practice. Inclusion is not just a concept. It is reflected in the everyday ways people share information, run meetings, and interact
Access is often framed as something available, as long as someone asks. Organizations say things like, “Let us know what you need,” or “Request accommodation in advance.” On the surface, this sounds reasonable. It suggests openness and willingness to support. But it also shifts responsibility onto the person who is already facing the barrier. When access depends on asking, it
Inclusion is often described as a value. Equity is often framed as a commitment. Organizations publish accessibility statements, adopt policies, and speak about diversity in strategic plans. These efforts matter. They signal intention and direction. But intention alone does not create impact. Without accountability, equity remains aspirational. When accessibility fails – when interpreters are not secured in time, when communication
Accessibility is often treated as something that can be arranged when needed. It becomes a request to accommodate, a service to book, or a detail to manage once everything else is already in place. But access is not a favour. It is part of infrastructure. And infrastructure requires funding. When organizations say they value inclusion, that commitment should be visible
“Let’s collaborate.” It’s a phrase I hear often; in emails, proposals, and partnership conversations. And collaboration is a good thing. But collaboration without shared power is not partnership.It’s control with softer language. When Collaboration Sounds Good, But Isn’t Equal Sometimes collaboration looks like this: Deaf professionals are invited to contribute.Asked to provide expertise.Brought in to review or deliver. But the
