Buzz Words

Empathy

The action of understanding and being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present. Putting yourself in the shoes of someone else to imagine what they must be feeling. Empathy is very different than sympathy.

Inclusion

Inclusion means that all people, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, or health care needs, have the right to be respected and appreciated as valuable members of their communities. Inclusion is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.

Equality

The Equality and Human Rights Commission describe equality as: “Ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents.” In other words, equality means ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities and receives the same treatment and support.

Equity

Equity is about giving people what they need, in order to make things fair. This is not the same as equality. It is simply giving more to those who need it, which is proportionate to their own circumstances, in order to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities; for example providing more support to a disadvantaged student so they can reach their full potential.

Diversity

Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical or cognitive abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.

Diversability

The term Diversability is currently a movement that embraces the uniqueness and potential in every human being, disabled or non-disabled. Diversabilities refer to physical, cognitive, developmental, learning, and/or neurological differences, or diversity, in ability levels. Diversability events promote an atmosphere where individuals are comfortable discussing and exploring questions about accessibility, equality, and inclusion for people with disabilities.