If you’ve noticed that my blog thumbnail is just a small red square, that’s not an accident.

It’s actually the NATO maritime signal flag for Foxtrot (F).

In the International Code of Signals, every single flag has a specific meaning when flown on its own. For example:

The Alpha (A) flag means:

“I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.”

It’s a way of communicating vital information quickly and clearly, across language barriers.

So what does Foxtrot mean?

“I am disabled; communicate with me.”

And honestly, that fits this blog about as perfectly as anything could.

At the heart of disability and autism advocacy is a simple principle:

Nothing about us without us.

We don’t want decisions made over us.
We don’t want policies designed for us without our input.
We don’t want to be “managed”, “handled”, or quietly sidelined.

We want communication.
We want partnership.
We want to be part of the conversation.

That’s exactly what Foxtrot signals:
“I’m here. I have needs. Talk to me.”

It’s also a little nod to the fact that I love sailing, and that maritime signalling systems are, in many ways, a brilliant example of inclusive design: clear, standardised, visual, and accessible across cultures and abilities.

I’ve written more about NATO flags and inclusion here:
👉 https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/clairegraf/2025/11/27/flying-the-flag-for-inclusion/

So that little red square isn’t just a design choice.

It’s a statement.

“I am disabled. Communicate with me.”
And please: do nothing about us, without us.