Written by Kevan McBeth, Chief Purpose Officer at Affective Consulting

Illustration of Inclusion, Exclusion, Segregation and Integration

Over the past several months, I’ve come across a powerful visual that’s been circulating online — most recently on the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy Facebook page. It’s designed to illustrate the differences between exclusion, segregation, integration, and inclusion. At first glance, it’s compelling. It’s clean. It resonates.

But… something about it has always made me pause.

After sitting with it for a while, I’ve realized what’s been bothering me. The visual, while well-intentioned, misses some crucial aspects of what true inclusion really means. And I think a few simple changes could turn it into a more accurate and empowering representation of inclusive culture.

1. Let’s Talk About Those Green Dots

In the graphic, the green dots usually represent the “typical” — able-bodied, neurotypical, likely white, often portrayed as the majority. That’s fine in terms of starting a conversation. It reflects a reality we need to acknowledge. But inclusion isn’t about maintaining a visual majority. It’s about celebrating the richness of everyone’s uniqueness — including those we often think of as “default.”

Even within the so-called typical group, there’s immense diversity — different lived experiences, cultures, religions, gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and personal stories. Why not represent that visually? True inclusion recognizes that everyone brings something valuable and different to the table — not just the dots outside the circle.

2. Now, About Those Red and Blue Dots…

Here’s the other challenge: by only distinguishing people by color, we risk oversimplifying identity. People are more than their abilities, skin tone, or any single trait. If we’re coming from a person-first philosophy — which we should be — we need to reflect the fullness of a person, not just their "difference."

What if we varied the size of the dots in addition to color? Or used a range of shapes? Not just to represent difference for difference's sake, but to signal that everyone’s story and identity is complex, nuanced, and connected. Inclusion doesn’t mean seeing less of people — it means seeing more of them.

3. Make the Inclusion Circle Pop!

Here’s my biggest critique of the diagram: it doesn’t go far enough. Inclusion isn’t just about pulling people into the center and saying “you belong here.” It’s about what happens because they belong.

True inclusion transforms culture. It benefits everyone. It fosters empathy, curiosity, kindness, and connection. It builds stronger communities, more innovative workplaces, and more compassionate schools.

Even in education — a space where inclusion can be a hot topic — the research is clear. Inclusion doesn’t just benefit students with disabilities. It helps all students by creating environments rich in empathy, cooperation, and real-world readiness.

And in business? I’ll let Mark Wafer, a Tim Hortons owner and fierce advocate for inclusive hiring, make the case. (Seriously, watch his video — it’s powerful.)

4. My Version of the Graphic? It Would Look Different.

If I were to redesign the inclusion graphic, it would reflect more complexity and more connection. The dots would be different sizes, shapes, and shades. The lines wouldn’t just form boundaries — they’d form bridges. And the inclusion circle? It would glow — because when inclusion is done right, it makes everything brighter.