How to Make Accessible, Inclusive Self-Introductions
The process of introductions during group gatherings are an important way to ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experience for all. Here is a recommended overview of what to share when introducing yourself:
- Name
- Organization and Role
- Pronouns (Click here for guidance on personal pronouns.)
- Land Acknowledgment (Click here for an interactive map of native lands, and also confirm with Indigenous peoples’ organizations in your area)
- Brief description of your visual appearance and surroundings. People without vision disabilities take in a lot of visual information about the people and environment around them. To offer context and access for all, provide a brief (a few sentences) visual description of yourself. You may choose to describe your gender identity, race or ethnicity, skin color, hair color and style, whether you have facial hair, what clothing and jewelry you’re wearing, and a short description of your background. (Example: I am a white woman with straight brown hair and round red glasses wearing a blue shirt. Behind me is a gray wall with several framed pictures next to a bookshelf.)
- Access check-in. If you feel comfortable, sharing your access needs can ensure that they are met. No one should be forced to share their needs, but sharing them helps to destigmatize them. You might say things such as:
- “For accessibility, I need people to speak up and keep their hands away from their mouths when they speak”
- “I need people to say their names before they speak.”
- “I may have the camera off from time to time because I need regular short breaks.”
- “My access needs are taken care of because there is captioning today.”
- “All my access needs are met.”