Hello friend,

I hope you get exactly what you need right now. Whatever that is.

What I needed was a fun conversation that continues to fight for what I believe in: disability justice.

I was thrilled to join Sara Chandran, Inclusion Consultant, Communications Specialist, and Founder at Fresh & Fearless, on her podcast Out of The Office.
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Using The Office episode “Goodbye, Toby” (Season 4, Episode 18) as a lens, we explore disability, inclusive language, and neurodiversity in the workplace.

In the episode, we:

• Explore societal misconceptions about disability and inclusive language.
• Analyze disability portrayal in storytelling and mainstream narratives.
• Shift focus from fixing disabilities to fixing societal systems.

Key Takeaways

1. Challenging Infantilisation Disabled individuals deserve respect and autonomy—avoid assumptions or patronising behaviors.
2. Language Matters Avoid euphemisms like “special” or “differently abled.” Use “disabled” confidently and respectfully.
3. Inclusive Workplaces Recognise diverse needs, promote understanding, and dismantle societal barriers for all.

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Tips From the Episode:

• “Ask, don’t assume.” Assuming someone’s needs—especially disabled or neurodivergent individuals—can create discomfort and barriers. Instead, simply ask, “How can I best support you?”
• “Disability isn’t the problem—barriers are.” The social model of disability teaches us this: people are disabled by the world around them, not their bodies or minds. Start building workplaces that work for everyone.
• “Language matters: Stop saying ‘special.’” Terms like “special needs” or “differently abled” are othering, not empowering. Say ‘disabled’—it’s not a dirty word, and it’s legally protected language.
• “Accommodations aren’t special treatment; they’re equity in action.” Everyone has needs. Recognizing and meeting disabled employees’ needs isn’t an “extra”—it’s creating a level playing field.
• “Intention doesn’t cancel impact.” You might mean well, but infantilizing disabled people (speaking slower, higher pitched, or assuming they’re less capable) is ableism. Treat everyone like the capable adults they are.
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Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on creating truly inclusive spaces—no assumptions, just understanding. And find out which characters on The Office we identify with the most and why!
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Cheering you on,

Lauren

Bye, career identity crises. Hello, confident leadership & change-making for a better world. ​laurengoldbergcoaching.com​

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