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Diversity is a term that describes all the ways people are different. Differences in ancestry. Cultural, ethnic and racial differences. Differences in age, skills, ability and experience. Diverse people bring diverse perspectives with them. It's what makes our community so vibrant. Wouldn't life be boring if everyone was the same?
Think about a group of people. It could be an online community. A school. An activist group. A bookclub. A sports team. Within that group, you'll likely see differences in:
You might think of some more that are about your life and experiences.
Your life, background and experiences make you who you are — your perspective matters.
It is important for communities to make decisions based on the experiences of everyone. Not just one group. For example, in the past many people with disabilities did not have a say in what decisions the community made. When the community only makes decisions based on the experiences of one group, it means many people do not:
Diverse communities are more likely to:
Diverse communities are also more likely to notice problems and find ways to fix them.
Valuing diversity means appreciating that variety is not just enjoyable, it brings enormous advantages.
In the past, groups often considered just one viewpoint when making decisions. Organisations ignored the needs of people who had less power and influence. For example, people with disabilities were often not consulted, even on issues that directly impacted their lives.
Diversity is variety, it is intentionally including a wide range of identities that can lead to better decision-making. It gives you a better chance of meeting the needs of more people. It means you're more likely to notice problems and develop practical solutions. Those who don't have as much power in society are more likely to be included, have their voices heard, and have their needs met.
Every group of people in society has a diversity of experiences, backgrounds and viewpoints. Women with disabilities are no different. Each person in our community has a racial, ethnic, or cultural background. We all have life experiences that shape us and how we see the world. We all have insights, creativity and skills to share.
Learning about diversity, yours and other peoples, helps us understand the diverse human experience. It also helps us celebrate ourselves and our community as diverse individuals. We can find connection through listening to other peoples stories. We can gain insight into how people experience life. At WWDA, we welcome and celebrate diversity.
Barb is a member of a community garden. Everyone in the group lives in Barb's neighbourhood. The oldest gardener is 86 years old. The youngest gardener is just two years old. Some people in the group speak languages other than English. Barb herself uses AUSLAN. Once a month, the group has a community potluck dinner. The gardeners bring food to share. When they have meetings, this group makes sure to have someone who can translate for the people who don't speak English. An AUSLAN interpreter comes, too. The group's actions make it clear that the gardeners value the diversity of their community.
We all have the right to live free from violence and abuse, and make choices that matter to us. This section looks at the history of human rights and United Nations conventions. We outline the rights of women and gender-diverse people with disabilities in Australia.
Find out moreMost people have sexual thoughts, attitudes, feelings and desires. Having a physical or intellectual disability doesn't change that. But disability can complicate sex. Here, we discuss ways of exploring sex with a disability - and what to do if sex isn't working for you.
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