Leadership Institute for Cultural Diversity and Cultural and Linguistic Competence

2016

NEED. There are two distinct yet related challenges currently confronting the network of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, organizations, and concerned constituents - specifically: 1) the lack of capacity across all aspects of the network to develop, nurture, and support a pool of people who are prepared to lead efforts that advance and sustain cultural and linguistic competence (CLC) and cultural diversity; and 2) there are few members of racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, including people with disabilities from these groups, presently occupying or being groomed to become leaders and assume leadership positions network-wide. The Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC), in partnership with organizations and individuals representing a broad sector of the I/DD network, will partner to plan and implement a Leadership Institute that will serve as a catalyst for change to address these two challenges in a manner that is consistent with the values, principles, and practices of CLC and diversity leadership. OVERALL GOAL & OBJECTIVES. Georgetown University NCCC is establishing the Leadership Institute for Cultural Diversity and Cultural and Linguistic Competence A Catalyst for Change. The NCCC is partnering with a broad array of constituents concerned with I/DD including but not limited to education, health and human services, government, and advocacy. Guided by its Wisdom Council, the project goal is to increase the number and capacity of leaders to advance and sustain CLC and respond to the growing cultural diversity among people with I/DD in the United States, its territories, and tribal communities. The objectives are to: 1) adapt a proven leadership curriculum/model (Georgetown Leadership Academy ) to the unique socio-cultural contexts of the I/DD network; 2) conduct an annual Leadership Academy and support those currently or interested in leadership positions with coaching/mentoring programs with particular focus on members of racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in the I/DD network leadership and individuals with disabilities; 3) offer a series of web-based learning forums/resources that address the unique challenges of leading cultural diversity and CLC; and 4) provide mentoring to selected organizations focused on I/DD that are committed to addressing diversity and CLC. EXPECTED BENEFITS. Anticipated outcomes include: 150 individuals across culturally diverse groups will have a core set of leadership skills to foster career goals; an innovative model for cross-cultural mentoring and coaching that supports leadership for CLC will be established in the I/DD network; and 10 organizations concerned with I/DD will enhance their capacity for CLC and diversity. Expected products include an innovative curriculum and e-learning resources.

cultural and linguistic competence, cultural diversity, leadership

Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training

Other - Cultural Diversity

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Adults with Disabilities, Legislators/Policy Makers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote, Urban, Territory

National

N/A