At The Ehlers-Danlos Society, access and inclusion are not add-ons. They shape how we design our work, share information, run events, and support our global community.
Our approach to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Environment comes down to a simple commitment: to listen, learn, and keep improving so what we do makes a real difference.
We use DEI to guide how we reduce barriers, act responsibly, and make decisions that reflect the needs of our community.
Making access real
Accessibility is central to our mission. We work to reduce barriers so more people can take part, engage, and feel supported.
Digital access that works for real people
We improve access across our website and digital platforms by:
- Using a plug-in that supports different reading, visual, and navigation needs
- Offering a translation plug-in to make content more accessible globally
- Building accessibility into new features from the start
Our Accessibility Statement (LINK) and policies (LINK POLICY PAGE) guide this work and continue to evolve.
Inclusive events and participation
We design events with access in mind before, during and after delivery. This includes:
- Live translation to support multilingual participation
- Collecting accessibility and dietary needs in advance to action
- Sharing clear information about format and expectations
- Reviewing feedback to each event improves the next
Our aim is simple: to make participation easier, clearer, and more inclusive.
Built into how we work
Accessibility and inclusion are part of how we work every day, not something added later. Staff actively use toolkits to ensure that DEI is at the forefront of their decision making.
Learning together
Staff receive training to support inclusive, accessible practice across:
- Program and project planning
- Community engagement
- Communications and content
- Platform and website development
We also make space for reflection and feedback so learning continues beyond formal training.
Listening, reviewing, improving
Inclusion only works if we listen.
We gather feedback through:
- Community surveys and feedback opportunities
- Input from staff
- Regular reviews of accessibility and inclusion
We use what we hear to make changes and improve how we work.
Acting responsibly for the environment
Delivering global work comes with environmental responsibility. We take practical steps to reduce our impact, including:
- Predominantly using virtual delivery
- Reducing unnecessary travel
- Working with local volunteers at events
- Choosing digital tools instead of print where we can
We continue to look for ways to reduce impact while staying connected as a global community.
Always evolving
There is no finish line for DEI
As our community and work grow, so does our responsibility. We remain committed to:
- Learning from lived experience
- Improving access and inclusion across our programs
- Making responsible choices
- Reviewing what we do and improving over time
This work is ongoing and central to who we are.
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