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Equality, diversity, and inclusion at Spinal Injuries Association

At SIA, we are committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in everything we do.

We believe that everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. As the expert guiding voice for the spinal cord injured community in the UK, we understand the unique challenges faced by those living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and are dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Our commitment to equality

Equality is at the heart of our mission. We strive to ensure that every individual, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion, has equal access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to lead an independent and fulfilling life. We recognise the systemic inequalities that can impact people with spinal cord injury and are committed to challenging and addressing these inequalities both within our organisation and in the wider community.

Embracing diversity

We celebrate diversity in all its forms and recognise that the richness of our community lies in the variety of experiences, perspectives, and talents that individuals bring. We understand that people with spinal cord injury come from all walks of life and that their needs and experiences are diverse. Whether it’s through our campaigns, our advocacy work, our support networks, our services, or our partnerships, we are dedicated to ensuring that our work reflects and respects the diverse communities we serve.

Two ladies in head scarves sharing tea together. One of them has a spinal cord injury and uses a wheelchair.

Fostering inclusion

Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to participate fully. We are committed to making SIA a place where everyone—regardless of their background or circumstances—feels welcomed and supported. We actively listen to the voices of our members, particularly those from underrepresented groups, and work to ensure that their needs are met. Our goal is to remove the physical, social, and attitudinal barriers that can prevent individuals with spinal cord injury from fully participating in society.

What we are doing

Inclusive services: We offer a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the spinal cord injury community. This includes tailored advice and support, peer mentoring, and resources that are accessible to everyone.

Campaign and advocacy: We campaign for the rights of people with spinal cord injury, working to ensure that their voices are heard in policy and decision-making processes. We advocate for changes that eradicate health inequalities and promote equality and inclusion at both local and national levels.

Workplace diversity: We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued. We provide ongoing EDI training and development opportunities for our staff and ensure that our recruitment practices are fair and inclusive.

Partnerships and collaboration: We work closely with other organisations and community groups to promote EDI and share best practices. By building strong partnerships, we can create a more inclusive society for everyone.

How you can get involved

We believe that everyone has a role to play in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Whether you are a person with a spinal cord injury, a family member, a healthcare professional, or an ally, your support is crucial. You can get involved by:

  • Joining our community: Become a member of SIA and connect with others who share your commitment to rebuilding lives for those with a spinal cord injury, across all communities.
  • Volunteering: Support our work by volunteering your time and skills.
  • Campaigning: Use your voice to raise awareness about the issues affecting the spinal cord injury community and advocate for change.
  • Donating: Your donations help us continue our vital work in addressing health and other inequalities within the spinal cord injury community.

Our vision for the future

Our vision is a society where people with spinal cord injury are treated as equals and where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is the norm. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement in our EDI efforts and will keep striving to ensure that every person with a spinal cord injury can live a life of independence, dignity, and opportunity.

At SIA, we are not just talking about equality, diversity, and inclusion—we are living it, every day. Together, we can build a more inclusive future for everyone.