Inclusive Language in Action: Disability Engagement Communication Strategies Across Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels of Practice
Keywords:
disability engagement, inclusive language, communication strategies, best practices, micro mezzo macro framework, social work, public health, inclusive healthy communities, technical assistance, Knowledge co-production, epistemic justice, intersectionality, identity-first, person-first, disability identity, organizational development, inclusive practices, policies systems and environmental change, othering belonging and bridgingAbstract
This article introduces a framework for inclusive language to support the engagement of people with disabilities and to advance work in disability advocacy across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. The framework supports professionals in structuring their communication strategies to build authentic and respectful relationships with people with disabilities, emphasizing dignity, transparency, and co-production. Through individual interactions (micro level), community-informed organizational practices (mezzo level), and public communication strategies (macro level), the framework encourages flexible, evolving practices that adapt to diverse language preferences. This guidance has evolved through iterative work providing technical assistance to awardees of the Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) grant program, which addresses health and well-being disparities for people with disabilities by supporting policy, systems, and environmental changes.
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