The Importance of Investing in Autonomy
It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound to prioritize profits over the well-being of those we serve. As the Language Access and Inclusion Director at Gateway, I’ve seen the transformative impact of prioritizing people’s health and autonomy. At Gateway, we believe that ensuring everyone – both within organizations and those receiving their services – can understand and be understood is essential for any business to thrive. While many equitable objectives are important, this one, in particular providing accommodations, requires financial support from public service providers because our government currently doesn’t cover these costs for businesses.
The Importance of Autonomy
When organizations consider how to support and invest in their team members, they should focus on the concept of autonomy. Autonomy is about ensuring that individuals have control over their own lives, and the ability to make decisions that affect their well-being. This includes language access to quality interpreting services, education, employment opportunities, and healthcare. This unfortunate reality sees many organizations failing to recognize the significance of language access, leaving those who need it in a position of being underserved and marginalized.
Why Autonomy Benefits Your Organization
Don’t just meet the bare minimum – invest in the autonomy of those you serve and your team. This creates a more inclusive, productive, and positive work environment. Here’s why it’s a smart move for your organization:
- Enhanced Engagement and Productivity: People who feel respected and supported are more likely to be engaged and productive. Providing the necessary resources and accommodations allows them to perform at their best.
- Improved Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is key to any successful organization. By openly investing in quality language access accommodations, such as interpreting services or communication tools, you ensure that all team members can collaborate effectively, leading to better teamwork and outcomes.
- Fostering Innovation and Diverse Perspectives: A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives and ideas. By supporting the autonomy of everyone you serve, even if there is a cost to do so, you enable more people to contribute their unique insights, fostering innovation and creativity within your organization.
- Positive Organizational Culture and Reputation: Organizations that prioritize inclusion and equity build a positive culture that attracts top talent. Your commitment to peoples’ autonomy demonstrates dedication to everyone’s well-being, enhancing your reputation as an inclusive and forward-thinking business.
Accommodations and Investing in People’s Autonomy
It’s crucial to understand that investing in people’s autonomy goes beyond financial considerations. Here are several ways organizations can support their people who request accommodations:
- Providing Quality Interpreting Services: To provide quality interpreting services, it’s crucial to prioritize client input. This means actively seeking their feedback about their needs and preferences (e.g., language preferences, in person or virtual) and then using this information to ensure the chosen accommodations are truly effective.
- Offering Inclusive Education and Training Programs: Develop programs that are accessible to a variety of individuals and provide opportunities for professional growth.
- Promoting Technological Advancements: If needed, invest in modern communication technologies to enhance accessibility.
At Gateway, we understand that effective communication is at the heart of providing quality care and support. We believe that everyone has the right to understand and be understood.
The Role of Organizations Like Gateway
Organizations like Gateway play a crucial role in bridging the gap and advocating for language access rights for many Maryland businesses. Our mission is to connect people to their worlds and services that yield effective communication. We strive to create an environment where language diversity is accepted, and everyone is treated with integrity, compassion, and equity. True inclusion means finding solutions that go beyond financial gains and address the real needs of the community a business serves.
The health and comfort of the people a business serves should never be sacrificed for the sake of organizational profit. Providing accommodations is about finding the right solutions and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. This approach can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Let’s continue to push for a future where people are empowered, their needs are met, and they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Together, we can make a difference.
by Dave Coyne
Learn More About Gateway
Gateway connects people to their worlds and aids individuals in their ability to understand and to be understood. Gateway has grown into an organization that serves more than 4,000 children and adults every year, helping them communicate more effectively. With programming both on our Baltimore campus and through community-based programming, we provide education, access, and medical support to anyone who needs it.
We envision a society where everyone can understand and be understood and where everyone is treated with integrity, compassion, and equity.
