Promoting Belonging For All

By: MSW Intern Destiny Proulx-Kier

Created: March 7, 2025

Published: March 13, 2025

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Inclusion is more than just a concept, it’s a movement toward creating a world where everyone feels valued and respected. Spread the Word Inclusion Week, held annually in early March, is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion, especially for individuals with disabilities (Special Olympics, n.d.).

As a therapist dedicated to working with neurodivergent individuals and children with autism, I see firsthand the power of inclusion. When children feel accepted, they develop confidence, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in their environments. Research has shown that inclusive education fosters higher academic achievement and improved social skills among students with disabilities (U.S. Department of Education, 2020). Unfortunately, many individuals with disabilities still face exclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities. That’s why spreading awareness is crucial.

You can take part in this movement by promoting inclusive language, advocating for accessible spaces, and fostering a culture of belonging. Employers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce, with hiring trends shifting toward inclusion (Kirby, 2023). Small actions, such as using person-first language, educating others on the importance of neurodiversity, or supporting inclusive programs can make a significant impact.

This year, I encourage you to reflect on ways you can create a more inclusive world. Whether it's in your workplace, school, or community, your efforts matter. Businesses like Maeve's Place Café have demonstrated the positive impact of hiring individuals with disabilities (Smith, 2024). Let’s work together to ensure that inclusion isn’t just a word, it’s a practice that shapes the way we interact, support, and uplift one another.

Join the conversation, spread the message, and be part of the change. Because when we include everyone, we all grow stronger together.

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References

Kirby, P. (2023). UK employers recognizing benefits of neurodiverse workforce. Financial Times. https://www.ft.com/content/e692c571-b56b-425a-a7a0-3d8ae617080b

Smith, J. (2024). Maeve’s Place Café and the power of inclusive hiring. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/sep/10/maeves-place-cafe-new-york

Special Olympics. (n.d.). Spread the Word: Inclusion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spread_the_Word

U.S. Department of Education. (2020). The benefits of inclusive education. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainstreaming_%28education%29