Accessible introductions set the room up for success. We perform well with each other when we have familiarity with the scripts that honor each other. Many times rooms make the mistake of assuming they already know best practices with each other. This is based on rooms being implicitly designed to serve Supremacy Culture and normalize the discomfort for certain populations. As you decolonize your practice and work to create inclusive space for all your collaborators accessible introductions will help you.
Remember that this is a relatively new practice for most. Provide a script or notes for your introduction. Describe how to do it and model it for others. Practice this before you facilitate with others. This is about creating accessibility not performing optics for others. Avoid self-indulgent monologues, self-deprecating humor, or commentary on other people’s identity .
What might be included in an accessible introduction?
- Name
- Role
- Gender Pronouns
- Visual description
- Access check-in
- Native Land Acknowledgement
- Ice Breaker