10 signatures reached
To: Prime Minister of New Zealand, Minister for Disability Issues, All Government Departments and Agencies, Public Organisations, Schools, and Businesses across Aotearoa, disabled and non-disabled people everywhere
Say YES to “Access” #YesToAccessNZ | Words shape worlds
Say #YesToAccessNZ
Access is a Right, not an Invite.
We call on the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, our Prime Minister, Minister for Disability Issues, Government agencies, all public and private sector organisations and businesses to:
Replace the word “Inclusion” (and its derivatives: social inclusion, workplace inclusion, diversity, equity and inclusion) with the word “Access” in all public documents, communications, role titles, departments and policies for at least ONE DAY - 3 December 2025, International Day of Persons with Disabilities - experience the shift in mindset, and make every effort to making this a permanent change.
This isn't semantics, it's a commitment towards an accessible Aotearoa New Zealand for all.
Access is a Right, not an Invite.
We call on the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, our Prime Minister, Minister for Disability Issues, Government agencies, all public and private sector organisations and businesses to:
Replace the word “Inclusion” (and its derivatives: social inclusion, workplace inclusion, diversity, equity and inclusion) with the word “Access” in all public documents, communications, role titles, departments and policies for at least ONE DAY - 3 December 2025, International Day of Persons with Disabilities - experience the shift in mindset, and make every effort to making this a permanent change.
This isn't semantics, it's a commitment towards an accessible Aotearoa New Zealand for all.
Why is this important?
"Commit to replacing “inclusion” with “access” that day 3 December, maybe it sticks, maybe it doesn't. Maybe it's the first step in a more equitable and accessible Aotearoa for all"
WHY you should: Access is a Right, not an Invite. That's why!
3 December 2025 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities and is the perfect moment to flip the script, start with words, and build the access-first Aotearoa we all deserve.
Words shape worlds. Some word history for you!
Did you know “Inclusion” comes from Latin - IN = "Into, to add to" and CLUDERE meaning “to shut in, or close off”? Put it together = INCLUDERE, or these days INCLUDE = "Invited or added in to something closed off to you."
So from the very start, it’s been about taking something outside and bringing it inside.
Being invited in, added in, let in to spaces controlled by others.
That’s not equity.
Access comes from ACCESSUS “to enter or pass through without barrier.”
By right. Not invite.
We know this is a tough shift for you.
You've grown up with "inclusion" as the go-to word.
Inclusion is soft. Access is hard.
But worth it! Try it, witness the difference.
Think of it like this:
You've grown up with "inclusion" as the go-to word.
Inclusion is soft. Access is hard.
But worth it! Try it, witness the difference.
Think of it like this:
Inclusion is margarine.
Access is the real butter!
WHY Access?
In a world where Access is the start point, not the add-on, people with lived experience of disability live lives of substance, not subsistence. Every space we enter - physical, digital, cultural, and political - is designed from the ground up to be barrier-free, with disabled people leading the decisions that affect our daily lives.
In this space, Access isn’t an afterthought, a workaround. It’s built-in. To our homes, schools, workplaces, marae, churches, theatres, cities, towns and suburbs.
Access creates a world where we are Diversity, not Deficit.
With dignity, not just diagnosis.
Where we are experts on our own lives, not exceptions to be managed. Where we inhabit time and s p a c e with equity, not as invitees to environments not made for us. Where people are recognised not by labels you place on us, but our identities. Where our unique ways of navigating life are rich with fresh perspectives and added-value.
A world where communities thrive because dignity, respect, and justice aren’t lofty ideals hoped for by generations of lived experience, they’re everyday practice. This isn’t a dream, it’s the Aotearoa for all that we can create when we put Access first.
Disability doesn't discriminate - our places, spaces and society does.
Every age, gender, culture, and orientation is represented in disability. Every.
We are human beings, here now, not waiting for you to "include us."
The big ACCESS ask - SIGN THIS PETITION, shift the mindset - will you answer the call?
On 3 Dec 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities – we’re asking Aotearoa to give it a try, swap “Inclusion” for “Access.”
When we say “inclusion,” exclusion still wins. If you can be “included,” it means you've already been excluded. Access, once embedded, cannot be denied.
Let's be clear. This isn’t just about ramps and captions.
Access is multi-dimensional. It's physical, cultural, emotional, financial, spiritual, intellectual, collective, and individual.
Swapping “inclusion” for “access” is more than a language fix.
It reframes disability not as a problem to accommodate, but as a matter of rights and design. It tells decision-makers that disabled and marginalised people aren’t guests waiting for an invite, we’re already here.
Access vs. Inclusion - so what's the difference?
For example, 8-10 performances season of a Royal NZ show might have 2x Sign language interpreted performances and 1x audio described performance + wheelchair seating for no more than 4 people per performance = that’s Inclusion. The same season with ALL performances NZSL interpreted and audio described and a venue that can adjust its seating configuration to adjust for wheelchair users = Access.
That's the vision. Where disabled people self-determine need and are leaders of the decisions affecting them. Not just the recipients of plans that weren't built for them or invited as a tick-box afterthought. Inclusion is soft, and on someone else's terms, there are gatekeepers who 'let' you in, 'invite' you in. Access is hard, but it means you actively make the effort to build the places, spaces and societies for all from the very start, not accommodate after by invite only.
Inclusion is soft, almost easy, and on someone else's terms, there are decision makers, gatekeepers who 'let' you in, add you in, 'invite' you in.
Access is hard, but it means you actively make the effort to build the places, spaces and societies for all from the very start, not accommodate after by invite only.
On 3 December 2025, use Access instead of Inclusion in all official communications, policies, and public events. If you have inclusion in your role title, policies, swap it out for access and witness the shift that happens.
As we've said, maybe it sticks, maybe it doesn't. Maybe it's the first step in a more equitable and accessible Aotearoa for all.
We say yes to access - every day.
YOU can do it.
Even if it's just for one day. Just like these artists and allies here at this link: Yes to Access.
This campaign is disability-led, conceived over two years by disabled artists, researchers and creators with Touch Compass, and supported by allies across Aotearoa.
✊🏽 Words shape worlds. Swap the word. Shift the mindset. Sign the petition. Share it!
#YesToAccessNZ