Focus On value

There is a difference between values and value, especially when it comes to creating accessible and inclusive communities and corporations. Let me explain the difference.  Values are the set of fundamental beliefs that guide our decisions and actions. Value refers to how important accessibility and inclusion are to us, and it can be measured by the degree to which results are achieved.  From my perspective, communities and corporations are good at determining and articulating their values – and this is an important starting point. But when we don’t place a value on accessibility and inclusion, then we can’t bring about change.

Every day, I see this scenario play out. Recently I read an article about an accessibility advisory committee that presented a slate of recommendations to its municipal council focused on creating a more inclusive community. The recommendations were well thought out and prioritized. The response from the council was that the recommendations would be considered as money became available. I can’t help thinking that if the council members had been truly invested in the value of accessibility and inclusion, they might have responded differently and attempted to pursue creative solutions with other community partners to fund at least one of the priority recommendations. The late Randy Pausch, an extraordinary educator, reminds us that “the brick walls are there for a reason. They’re not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”

If accessibility and inclusion are important to us, we will find a way around the brick walls and the naysayers. When we connect our values with a true understanding of the value of accessibility and inclusion then…we rock. And when we do it together then … Together We Rock!