Inclusion is a broad term for accepting and integrating people in different processes and aspects of life. Social inclusion is essential for people with disabilities to allow everyone to be connected and take part in activities in accordance with their abilities. However, a question arises with regard to who should be included. An article by van der Eijk and Glantz challenged my worldview by exploring the attempt of the tobacco industry to present smoking as a disability. This strategy aimed to prevent companies from encouraging a healthy lifestyle in the workplace.
According to van der Eijk and Glantz, the “focus was on smoking as a perceived rather than actual disability so that tobacco companies could maintain that smoking is not addictive.” As can be seen, such an approach to inclusion would be a misuse of the term and would not benefit people with actual disabilities. While smoking can have harmful effects on one’s health, it is not considered a physical or mental impairment. Inclusion is necessary for individuals with disabilities that are recognized by the law.