What are inclusive services

Inclusive services are places where all people participate as equals, regardless of ability, gender, race, class or other social differences. Here we focus particularly on the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

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What is intellectual disability?

People with intellectual disabilities have a cognitive impairment. They experience difficulties understanding and communicating complex ideas. However, the level of difficulty varies significantly from one person to another. 

Why is this resource focused on people with intellectual disabilities?

When people with intellectual disabilities try to use mainstream services, they often experience exclusion. Sometimes they are simply turned away from the service. Other times they are offered a service, but the quality of service they receive is poor. This happens when service providers don’t fully understand the needs of service users with intellectual disabilities.

 

People with intellectual disabilities have a right to use mainstream services that are open to other members of the community.

Service providers have legal and ethical responsibilities to make their services inclusive. They must make reasonable adjustments to enable the participation of people of all abilities. Without such adjustments, people with intellectual disabilities will be excluded, and this is discrimination. 

This resource will help you meet obligations to make your service inclusive.
The resource is focused on people with intellectual disabilities. But you will find that many of the principles and practices you will learn here, will make your service more inclusive for everyone else too!

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What does inclusion mean for people with intellectual disabilities?

Before going any further, let’s hear what people with intellectual disabilities say the word ‘inclusion’ means to them.