Defining inclusivity in a digital world

Inclusivity is something that is becoming increasingly important in our society, so much so that defining it in the digital world has become vital too. Digital Learning Day celebrates the use of digital technology in learning and in particular highlights innovative and forward-thinking use of technology for learning.

What is inclusive content?

As content creators, the content we put out serve as resources and learning material for many internet users. So, it is only natural that we sit back, introspect and think about how to make it more accessible and inclusive. Inclusive content is when it speaks to a broad and diverse audience, when our words do not hurt or divide and when we use videos and images that include as many different people as possible. Here is a check list we curated:

Build an accessible website

Make sure your blog is easy to navigate. Use pleasant colours, allow manual font adjustment, reduce excessive motion, avoid using elements that can be triggering such as flashy lights and ensure that it can be navigated through using a keyboard. You can also use alt text, make use of subheadings and clear labels.

Inclusive language matters

Using inclusive language may require conscious effort in the beginning but while we edit our content we can double check with a terminology guide to ensure right terms are used. Gender-neutral terms, making use or pronouns, using sensitive words while talking about tender subjects such as mental illness or suicide are important. These are small steps, but have a huge impact.

Use diverse and inclusive images

While choosing pictures for your blog posts, social media, look for ones that are diverse. People like to see different kinds of people represented so it helps them feel included. Include people of different backgrounds, non traditional families, people with disabilities, people of colour and anything else you can think of that reflects diversity.

Even your writing must be accessible!

It is not just about using inclusive language and images or making a site easy to navigate. Know your audience and write accordingly. Break down your sentences, divide your article into easy paragraphs and use flowery language within a limit. Simple and to the point, yet evocative content always catches the eye.

Inclusivity on your social media profiles

Using subtitles for the video and podcast content you create can be very helpful. If sharing your pronouns is something you are comfortable with on your bio, that is a great thing to begin with! It shows support to the LGBTQ community and contributes to normalizing everything around the gender spectrum.

Never stop learning

Keeping coming back to the drawing board. Get feedback from your audiences and experts and keep learning. Practicing inclusivity in your content and life is a journey. But by doing our research, keeping ourselves updated on changing trends, laws, and rights, we can stay ahead and build an inclusive digital space that will definitely contribute to offline inclusive conversations too.

If inclusivity is something that interests you, why not join the CauseAChatter family and speak your voice!