A guide for authentic inclusion, this document belongs to Unilever but may be used by other organizations in advertising and marketing to improve inclusion.
According to Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), “persons with disabilies include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”.
Currently, in alignment with the UNCRPD, it is best practice to view disability via the social model of disability, which we outline below. Refer to page 52 of the guide to learn more about the social model of disability and other disability models.
It is interesting to note when looking at disability that it is a minority cohort in which any of us can find ourselves. We can acquire a disability at any stage in our lives, due to age, genetics, injury or illness. We can’t change our cultural background, race or age but we can move from being a person without disability to a person living with disability. It is a paradigm that is an inherent part of the human experience.
Professor Kyja Kristjansson-Nelson’s international research into the theory of dispositions in filmmaking and leadership concluded: “Working toward [inclusive production practices] will place greater emphasis on the need for an inclusive culture, in which all voices can participate without the interference of attitudinal barriers.” The research also noted: “Inclusive leadership and inclusive filmmaking, combined with a ‘people first’ purpose, created an inclusive culture driven by The Ripple Effect of Inclusive Filmmaking Social Change Transforming Dispositions Diverse Representation Power of Inclusive Storytelling.