Many everyday rules are never written down — they’re part of the hidden curriculum we absorb over time. Like keeping your elbows off the table. It’s not about hygiene or respect, and for some people, elbows actually support posture or coordination.

Workplaces and community settings have their own hidden curriculum too: unspoken rules about how to sit, where to look, when to speak, and what “paying attention” should look like. In meetings, this often shows up as expectations to sit still, maintain eye contact, stay on camera, or avoid using fidgets or movement.

These unwritten rules can quietly reduce participation for people who need movement, experience pain, process information differently, or find eye contact difficult. When we make the hidden curriculum visible and replace it with shared expectations that prioritise comfort, focus, and participation, we remove barriers and create better outcomes for everyone.

What is an Inclusion Statement?

An Inclusion Statement is a short, explicit welcome that lets everyone know they can be their authentic selves and use strategies that help them participate comfortably. This might include stimming, wearing what feels right, moving around, usingfidgets, or turning the camera off in a virtual meeting.

It’s shared at the start of meetings and events or displayed on slides or posters (especially in settings where people may be unfamiliar with each other or the environment). Its purpose is simple: to create a safe space where engagement and well-being matter more than conformity.

See the Inclusion Statement in practice