Exclusively Inclusive

No word illustrates the general confusion towards people with disabilities better than 'inclusive'.  It's often used to describe its exact opposite.  It isn't always what it seems, and it's worth taking a second look.

"Camp Tidnish is the only barrier-free and fully accessible summer camp for Nova Scotian children, youth, and adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

Camp Tidnish has provided top-quality programs for over 80 years. Each year, we host hundreds of campers from across Nova Scotia. Our programs are designed with inclusion, independence, and the personal development of our campers in mind."

So this camp, which is a segregated establishment, values 'inclusion'.  I think I know what they mean; that they provide a suitable place for those who might not otherwise have the summer camp experience.  A chance to excel and succeed on one's own terms is a good idea, but inclusive it ain't.

Unfortunately this kind of mischaracterization lets the vast majority of similar places off the hook for providing a humane, constructive environment for all of their campers, including those with disabilities – and for seeking to be responsive to their campers’ feelings while working to expand their minds.

That's the downside.  Kids at other camps never meet their peers with disabilities.

The Club Inclusion in Halifax seems to be pretty much for people with disabilities.  A more accurate name might be "Club Success" or "The Friendship Club"

Is Access-a-Bus inclusive transportation?  They very carefully don't use the i-word.  It makes 'transportation' available to people who aren't served by conventional means, but as a service, it's segregated and inferior.

Are inclusive classrooms inclusive education?  Yes in having a wide diversity of students, but not always in optimizing education.  That requires ongoing advocacy, planning, support and commitment.  And really good teachers.  The March 2018 final report of Nova Scotia's Commission on Inclusive Education acknowledges that inclusion sometimes gives way in the pursuit of education.

Sheltered Workshops?  Again, segregated, but inclusive in the sense that participants are among the employed.  But the segregation makes it easy to allow separate rules, like ignoring minimum wage. 

• The whole reason for an organization like Summer Street to exist is to facilitate community inclusion and involvement.  - 40th anniversary report 

Bathrooms.  Not usually inclusive, since there are men's and women's facilities.  Very occasionally there is a unisex bathroom with stalls with floor-to-ceiling doors and a common area for washing up.  More often, there is a family washroom which is inclusive in the sense that anyone can use it, but only one at a time.  The best accessible bathrooms for wheelchair users are big,  have a dressing table and are exclusively for one-at-a-time use. 

Sometimes inclusion is achieved by segregation.  Dalhousie Medical School, which in 150 years has never graduated an African Nova Scotian MD, seeks to correct this:

• Admission prerequisites are required for all applicants. However, applicants who apply under the Affirmative Action Statement are considered on the basis of their qualifications for the study of medicine rather than in relation to other candidates.

This is permitted under the Charter, though it's hard to imagine a more condescending and awkward presentation.

A distinction without a difference you say.  Except when 'Inclusion' is used carelessly it gives the impression that people with disabilities are fully integrated in society.  More often the reverse is true - it's worth paying attention.