A feeling of belonging

Abstract

This research investigates the experience of belonging among individuals with invisible disabilities in the workplace, with a focus on fostering inclusivity. More specifically, within the workspace of the company Flatland, a creative strategy and visualisation agency. This research is an extension of their efforts in the realms of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.).
Research question: How can the organisation of Flatland add to the inclusion and feeling of belonging for people with invisible disabilities within their organisation?

Motivation
The research is also deeply personal, as I, the author, have an ‘invisible’ disability. Throughout the research, I have used insight stemming from both my own and others’ experiences. Prioritising qualitative data and lived experiences.
The recognition of the importance of D.E.I. efforts in companies and in society, in general, is growing. However, in many aspects the research and understanding are still severely lacking. Specifically, in the realms of disability and invisible disability inclusion, there are many knowledge gaps and misconceptions. Here I see the need for more lived experience data to close those gaps.

Approach
In chapter 3 a lens for understanding the invisibly disabled experience is created. This research uses the social perspective on disability:

“[Disability] results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis”

Having an invisible impairment produces extra workloads. An aspect of that is interpersonal, where advocating for oneself is both essential and challenging due to misconceptions and misunderstandings. The research further focuses on the intangible feeling of feelings like belonging. Here a belonging spectrum is introduced to further analyse findings.
The first step in collecting qualitative data is a creative session held with the employees of Flatland. Here the concepts of disability, invisible disability, and belonging are introduced and explored. Through the analysis of the drawings made in the session conclusions are drawn on their expressions of belonging and their understanding and view of disability. One finding was how the drawings on belonging favoured the more concrete right side of the belonging spectrum, often leaving out the left side that focuses more on the perspectives around thoughts and feelings. For the context of Flatland, the definition of belonging was defined as:

“ My place within this group is unquestioned. Within this space I can experiment, move, take up space, and express myself as I wish and am. “

After gathering the perspective from inside Flatland research is conducted on the experiences of the invisibly disabled. Several participants are asked to fill in an assignment booklet which then forms the basis of the interviews, a method called context mapping.

The booklet has assignments on the experience of disability: belonging and receiving help. The reporting of the results focuses on retaining the complexities of this lived experience, which display complicated relationships with receiving help.

Conclusion
The conversations that were held through the booklets brought up many topics that could be linked back to the belonging spectrum and more specifically those emotional, intangible aspects. The use of this research tool made space in conversation to discuss aspects of belonging. This finding brought us to the suggestion of implementing the research booklet as a tool within Flatland. As a first step to open up these conversations and make deliberate space for the emotional aspects of belonging. The added value being that this will be especially beneficial to the invisibly disabled, for whom the onus of advocating for themselves will slightly shift to the company. However, these conversations could have a curb-cut effect and benefit all employees.
The research ends on a discussion of what topics are not covered but deserve further attention and how the research is and isn’t representative. A vitally important part of any research so intertwined and critical of representation.