Glossary of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Terms

Ableism is a systemic and structural form of oppression that stems from the attitude and belief that disabled people are inferior. It underpins individual discrimination and systemic barriers and inequities against people with disabilities. Ableist beliefs include the fear of becoming disabled, as well as the fear of disabled people. It engenders the erasure and invisibility of disabled people, which leads to inaccessible places, processes, and groups

Accessibility means that all people can take part in their communities through work, play and other daily activities. Accessibility is about removing barriers and increasing inclusion and independence for everyone.

Allyship means supporting others that may not have had the same lived experiences. Amplifying our voices through listening and learning leads to action. Allyship is relational grounded in trust and respect without judgement. It means recognizing our own power and privilege and actively supporting others who may not experience the same power and privilege.

Belonging is a person’s perception of acceptance within a given group. It means being able to be your authentic self in the work or learning environment.

Historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups are, in Canada, commonly understood to include: Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized people, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, plus countless ways people choose to identify) and TGNB people (transgender and non-binary) who experience barriers on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Intersectionality is about the intertwining of social identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, which can result in unique experiences, opportunities, and barriers. A theory coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in the 1980s to draw attention to how different systems of oppressive structures and types of discrimination interact and manifest in the lives of marginalized people; for example, a queer black woman may experience oppression on the basis of her sexuality, gender, and race – a unique experience of oppression based on how those identities intersect in her life. (UBC)

Justice, in the context of DEI, means identifying and removing barriers that prevent equity and impede the rights of others. Justice is about making fair and ethical decisions about the distribution of opportunities and resources.

Marginalization/Marginalized is a social process by which individuals or groups are (intentionally or unintentionally) distanced from access to power and resources and constructed as insignificant, peripheral, or less valuable/privileged to a community or “mainstream” society.

Psychological Safety is about feeling confident to share thoughts, ideas and perspectives without fear of judgement or reprisal. It is important to note that historically underrepresented or vulnerable groups or individuals may have a very different perspective and experience of psychological safety. 

Substantive equality is a legal principle that refers to the achievement of true equality in outcomes. It is achieved through equal access, equal opportunity and, most importantly, the provision of services and benefits in a manner and according to standards that meet any unique needs and circumstances, such as cultural, social, economic and historical disadvantage. (https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1583698429175/1583698455266)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve an optimize teaching and learning through the design of instructional goals, assessments, methods and materials that can be customized and adjusted to meet individual needs. (cast.org)

Unconscious Biases are implicit associations, whether about people, places, or situations, which are often based on mistaken, inaccurate, or incomplete information and include the personal histories we bring to the situation. Unconscious (or implicit, hidden) biases are mental processes that operate outside of our consciousness, intentional awareness, or control.