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Do you know someone in your organisation or network who goes over and beyond to be inclusive towards others?

Make time to celebrate YOUR team!

By Dr Anita Devi #TeamADL

Seven years ago … I had this idea 💡 to host an annual ‘Appreciation Day‘ for those who work / serve children and young people with special needs.  We were backed a national recruitment firm and before we knew the project had gone viral and global!  Who doesn’t like to be appreciated, right !?!

As part of the 6-year journey to date, we have collated many ‘Good Heart’ stories of people going that extra mile from all around the world 🌍 The scope has also widened to different sectors now covering education, health, care, government, faith, business and the community.

Here are a few examples from previous years

  • teachers and support staff who present education opportunities to those who struggle with learning in a manner that helps them progress beyond their dreams
  • education leaders who reinvent learning environments to make pupils and staff welcome
  • companies who support people with hidden disabilities in the workplace
  • hair dressers who create an inclusive environment for those with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
  • individuals, who themselves have a disability investing time in clearing up the beach in India, so wheelchair uses can access the scenic view
  • The Scout Leader, who taught everyone in their club British Sign-Language to support one of the members
  • A local church that hosts a special sensory room for 27 children in their community
  • A grandparent who spends a phenomenal amount of time completing jigsaw puzzles with their non-verbal grandchild and the local neighbourhood kids
  • A local government official, who made a public footpath more accessible for wheelchair users

What is inclusion?

We believe “Inclusion is a multi-dimensional construct, and to #TeamADL this implies ‘person-centred contributions valued from all and by all’. We encapsulate our perception of inclusion through the construct of identity and the three dimensions of being, belonging and becoming. Thereby embracing humanity in a changing world.
To us, an Inclusionist is someone who goes over and beyond to ensure as many people as possible are supported in who they are, encouraging them to get involved and become who they want to be.

 

Now it is your turn.  This year we have rebranded to Inclusionist Appreciation and Celebration Day  🎉 #IAAC_2026 and we are inviting all Chamber Members to consider nominating someone in their organisation or network. When we take the time to look and noticed, we are often amazed to see how people we know are intentionally inclusive and compassionate from a place of kindness.  This is a Good News Story for your organisation / network – something to share with the world. If you run an Apprenticeship Scheme, consider who has enabled your offer to be inclusive to ALL learners / employees.

Here is the nomination link You can nominate more than one person!  Closing date for nominations: 15th June 2026  There is no cost associated with nominating.

The actual Inclusionist Appreciation and Celebration Day is on 1st July 2026 and we are encouraging organisations to also host something locally in their place of work to recognise all those who go above and beyond. Let us know your plans and tag us in #IAAC_2026 #TeamADL … it’s a great way to have your organisation noticed.

Time to act!

  1. Do not put this off till tomorrow.  Think of someone you know, who is a great advocate by practice for inclusion and nominate them.
  2. Share nomination the link, graphic and #IAAC2026 #TeamADL on your socials … let the world know you have nominated someone and will be joining in this annual global celebration on 1st July 2026
  3. Get in touch with us, if you need anything else