Inclusive Communication Guide

These principles apply across everyday conversations, emails, web content, forms, teaching, services and events.

Trauma informed
Communicate in ways that support choice and control. Do not push for details. Offer options and next steps rather than instructions.

Person centred
Where appropriate, ask preferences. Use the name, terms and pronouns a person uses for themselves. Focus on what someone needs now, not on assumptions or outcomes.

Culturally safe
Avoid stereotypes and one size fits all assumptions. Respect different ways of communicating. Be mindful of power, history and context, particularly in First Nations contexts.

Accessible and clear
Use clear, inclusive language and plain English. Make information easy to find and act on. Offer accessible formats and explain how to request them.

Inclusion is communicated through more than language alone. People often interpret whether a space feels safe or welcoming through signals they observe before they read a single word.

Visual signals
Images and examples communicate who is centred, who is missing, and whether people are shown with dignity and agency. Inclusive imagery reflects diversity without tokenism, avoids stereotypes, and shows people as active participants rather than only as recipients of support.

Structural signals
Inclusion is also experienced through how information and systems work. Consider whether help is easy to find, whether choices are offered rather than imposed, and whether content is clear, scannable and accessible, including on mobile devices.

Cultural signals
Culture is shaped by repeated cues. This includes whether access needs are invited without judgement, whether disclosures are met with care and belief, and whether support pathways are visible and consistent.

At Southern Cross Uni, visible inclusion initiatives such as the Ally Network and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower are examples of signals that reinforce inclusive communication in practice.

This section offers guidance on safe communication. It is not a replacement for professional support. If you need help, refer to the support information above.

Southern Cross Uni recognises that gender‑based violence can take many forms and have significant impacts. The University outlines its commitment and approach to addressing gender‑based violence through its policies, guidance and action plan, with a focus on prevention, safety, support and meaningful action to create safer, more inclusive environments across the SCU community.

Using safe, supporter centred language

In situations involving harm or violence, language matters. The words we choose can either support safety and trust or unintentionally reinforce blame or shame.

Helpful language includes:

• Thank you for telling me.
• I am sorry this happened.
• You do not have to share details if you do not want to.
• What would help right now?
• You deserve support and there are options available.

Avoid language that:

• questions or minimises someone’s experience
• assigns blame or responsibility
• pressures someone to take action before they are ready
• focuses on judgement or assumptions

Offer options rather than instructions. Support is most effective when it respects choice, pace and confidentiality.

This section focuses on inclusive language, meaning the words and phrases that help avoid assumptions and support respectful communication across different communities.

LGBTIQA+ inclusion
Use gender inclusive language unless gender is relevant. Avoid assumptions about identity or relationships. Use neutral terms such as everyone or partner. If you are unsure about pronouns or identifiers, ask respectfully where appropriate.

CALD communities
Use plain English and explain acronyms. Avoid idioms and slang in important information. Ask about language preferences or interpreter support where relevant. Be transparent about why information is requested and how it will be used.

Disability, accessibility and neurodiversity
Focus on access needs rather than labels. Avoid deficit based language. Offer options and flexibility. Remember that many disabilities are not visible and that people may choose not to disclose personal details.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Use respectful and current terminology. Avoid outdated or deficit based framing. Be specific about Nation or Language group where a person or community shares that preference. Treat cultural knowledge, stories and imagery with care and appropriate consultation.

Rural, remote, low socioeconomic and first in family experiences
Avoid assumptions about access to transport, technology, time or financial resources. Be clear about steps and options. Use supportive language that acknowledges potential barriers and offers alternatives.

People do not experience identity or barriers one at a time. Experiences can overlap and compound. Inclusive communication recognises this complexity and avoids one size fits all assumptions by offering flexibility, choice and multiple pathways.