A Moment of Reflection: Inclusivity and the Diverse Spectrum of Experience

As a partially deaf person, there are moments that illuminate the gaps in our understanding of one another. A recent interaction I had underscores a disturbing issue for me; The unintentional oversight of inclusivity for those of us with different abilities, particularly in the realm of diverse sensory experiences.

I had been approached by a colleague to provide feedback on a new meditation track they created. Eager to contribute, I settled into the experience, only to find that the volume of the background music overpowered the spoken words. Given my partial deafness, discerning the spoken content became not possible.

In sharing my experience, the response illuminated a disconnection. The creator noted that no similar feedback had been received, indirectly suggesting that my experience was an outlier, perhaps not indicative of a broader audience’s reception. This interaction, though not ill-intentioned, beckons a deeper exploration of inclusivity and consideration.

We live in a diverse world, made up of a wide range of experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Every piece of content, especially those intended for mental and emotional well-being, should be crafted with a broad audience in mind, including those who navigate the world with sensory differences.

In revisiting my initial response, I felt a well-spring of emotions. I felt a mix of exhaustion and a yearning for their understanding. Neurodiversity, and diversity of all kinds, enriches our collective experience. Each voice, every perspective, is a thread weaving the fabric of our shared human experience.

To my colleague and the broader community of content creators, a gentle reminder: inclusivity is not a passive act. It is an intentional, deliberate process of considering the vast spectrum of human experience. It's about recognizing that every individual, irrespective of their sensory abilities, has a right to access, enjoy, and benefit from content designed to uplift the human spirit.

I extend this reflection not as a critique but as an invitation. An invitation to step into a space of empathetic understanding, where various unique human experience will not merely be heard but instead accommodated.

Where we each take a moment to consider, ‘how can I make this accessible to all?’ For in this space of compassionate consideration, we foster a world that is not just diverse but fairly inclusive. 

Each of us has a role to play in nurturing an environment where every human feels seen, heard, and valued. It's in this space where true connection, understanding, and growth flourish. Please join us in our journey of inclusivity.