Inclusion
Embracing Diversity in our Communities
RICI is committed to promoting & initiating more inclusive opportunities in the Rodney District, with a focus on activities & supports for people of all ages and ethnicities who are marginalised due to physical or mental impairments. This is a learning process for all involved, including for the organization itself. See our Local Directory Project.
We want to partner with groups across all sectors in our communities - to maximize learning and impact and transcend traditional divides. Please contact us for any queries and feedback, or to support and join us on this important mission.
Diversity is a given, but how we demonstrate inclusion in our communities, is a choice. He waka eke noa / We are all in this together.
WHAT IS INCLUSION?
Social inclusion is the act of enabling all groups of people within a society to have a sense of belonging, and to be able to participate in community life. It is based on fundamental values of equity, equality, social justice, and human rights, as well as on the principles of acceptance and embracing diversity.
Ko te kotahitanga te mahi tahi o nga tāngata katoa i roto i tētahi pāpori, e whakawhanaungatanga ana tātou, e whakaurunga i ngā mahi katoa o te hapori. Ko ēnei ngā kaupaua whakapū; te tōkeke, te mana taurite, te tiaki tika, te mana tika, me ngā mātāpono o te whakaaetanga me te rerekētanga.
KEY PLAYERS IN CREATING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
Municipalities
- urban and rural
Businesses
- big and small
Institutions
- schools,
health districts,
facilities, etc.
Community-based
Organisations
- culture, sport and
recreation groups,
service organisations,
faith communities, etc.
Inclusion, is appreciating and valuing human differences by removing barriers and creating an atmosphere that promotes a sense of belonging – where everyone feels respected and valued for their uniqueness.
In an inclusive environment, people are valued because of, not in spite of, their differences - so everyone can fully participate and thrive.
NZ legislation in support of Inclusion:
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Schools are required to be inclusive under the Education and Training Act 2020
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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) 1989
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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) 2006
The above laws are reinforced by the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
The NZ Human Rights Commission
The HRC works in partnership with others to help individuals and organisations around New Zealand to understand their rights and meet their legal responsibilities.
Disabled people have the right to be respected for who they are, be free from ableism and discriminatory barriers, and participate fully in all aspects of society.