People with disabilities are part of every community. They are artists, workers, students, parents, and leaders. Their voices, experiences, and talents make the world better. That’s why disability inclusion should be part of our work and relationships every single day—not just during Disability Pride Month.

Understanding intersectionality

Intersectionality helps us see that people have many parts to their identity—like race, gender, age, religion, and disability. Sometimes, people face unfair treatment or extra challenges because of more than one part of who they are.

For example:

• A Latina teenager who uses a wheelchair may face ableism and racism.
• A transgender person with a learning disability may deal with both transphobia and ableist attitudes.
• A refugee with a disability may struggle with language barriers, limited access to care, and discrimination.

These overlapping experiences create unique challenges. And that means our inclusion efforts need to be thoughtful and inclusive of all identities. YIPA offers a Youth Worker Toolkit called Fostering Inclusive Behavior that gives you training for working with youth to foster inclusion with practical skills.

This matters in daily practice because people who are part of more than one marginalized group often face:

• Less access to healthcare, jobs, or education
• More barriers in getting services or support
• Fewer role models in leadership or the media
• Cultural or language gaps that make programs less helpful
• Feeling left out, even in movements meant to help them

When we understand intersectionality, we can design better programs, build stronger relationships, and support people more fully. Our Confronting Ableism in Youth Work to Empower Youth with Disabilities is an excellent online training for youth workers wanting to learn more.

What You Can Do

Inclusion is a very intentional practice. It shows up in how we plan events, speak to others, hire staff, write policies, or welcome someone new. Whether you work with young people, lead teams, or build community spaces, here are some inclusion habits to build into your daily work:

• Listen first. Center the voices of people with lived experience, especially those with intersecting identities.
• Think ahead. Ask: “Who might be left out of this?” Then take steps to include them.
• Check accessibility. Are your physical spaces, digital tools, and communication methods friendly to all?
• Speak up. If you hear a harmful joke or notice unfair treatment, don’t stay silent.
• Keep learning. Read, watch, or listen to disabled creators and leaders from many backgrounds.

Show Your Support Through Action

• Ask and adapt. Don’t assume everyone needs the same things—ask what helps and make adjustments.
• Support diverse leadership. Include disabled people in decisions, not just events.
• Use inclusive language. Avoid outdated or harmful terms, and honor how people describe themselves.
• Reflect regularly. Make it a habit to ask: “Whose needs are being met here—and whose aren’t?”

Inclusion is a Mindset

Inclusion doesn’t happen in one cultural heritage celebration month or with one training. It’s an everyday choice. It’s how we design our spaces, treat others, and build a culture that sees all people as valuable.

By understanding intersectionality and practicing inclusion daily, we move closer to a world where everyone—regardless of disability, race, gender, or background—has the chance to be seen, heard, and supported.

YIPA offers a range of intercultural training to continually build your skill and become more confident and competent in this area.

Let’s keep learning and working toward that world. One choice, one conversation, one change, one day at a time. Every day!