inclusiveform

Inclusiveform is a term used to describe a framework and set of practices aimed at creating language, typography, and user interfaces that recognize and include diverse identities and abilities. In practice, inclusiveform encourages pronoun neutrality or explicit pronoun specification, gender-neutral titles, accessible typography, and wording that avoids stereotypes and exclusionary conventions.

Origins and scope: The term emerged in the late 20th and early 21st century within sociolinguistics and inclusive design, paralleling shifts toward plain language and accessibility. It is not a single standardized system but rather a family of guidelines that can be adopted differently across languages and domains.

Core practices: Use of gender-neutral pronouns or explicit pronouns requested by individuals; avoidance of gendered defaults; use of inclusive job titles (e.g., 'chairperson' or 'presiding officer' rather than 'chairman'); avoidance of ableist or ageist terms; clear, simple syntax to improve comprehension; robust support for nonbinary and transgender users; design compatibility with assistive technologies, including screen readers.

Applications and impact: Documents, forms, websites, and software interfaces implement inclusiveform to reduce bias and improve accessibility. Examples include replacing 'he' with 'they' or rephrasing to avoid gendered assumptions, and providing optional pronoun fields.

Reception and critique: Proponents argue it advances equity and usability, while critics warn of overcorrection or fragmentation across languages. Implementation requires ongoing evaluation and localization.

See also: inclusive language, gender-neutral language, accessible design, plain language, inclusive writing.