AIDD Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan
Project Description:
The Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD)-Georgia State University (GSU) University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), joined with the UCEDDs at the University of Southern California (USC) and Georgetown University (GU) to develop a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (D&I-AP). CLD-GSU, USC, and GU (the Consultants) worked with key stakeholders (i.e., content experts in the area of developmental disability; individuals with DD and their families; UCEDD directors, faculty, and staff; Diversity & Inclusion Action Team members, representatives from Developmental Disability Councils, Protection and Advocacy agencies, and their respective national organizations; and AIDD leadership). Building on the stakeholder engagement process, recent work that resulted in the D&I Toolkit, and the environmental scan to be conducted as part of the AIDD D&I Training Action Planning initiative, the Consultants identified existing disparities in services and supports for individuals with I/DD, the gaps in current knowledge, skills, and practices within the network, and resources and strategies that have proved effective in reducing or eliminating disparities. These inputs were used to create a blueprint of action steps for increasing diversity and inclusion for 1) the UCEDD network, 2) AUCD as the technical assistance provider to the UCEDD network, and 3) AIDD as the federal funder of the UCEDD network. The Consultants' multi-level approach was guided by a commitment to health equity, reduction in disparities, and meaningful inclusion -- in combination with proven organizational and behavioral change strategies that are specifically designed to increase the diversity and enhance the cultural and linguistic competence (CLC) of UCEDDs, AUCD, and AIDD.
Keyword(s):
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Racial Disparities, UCEDDs, Action Plan
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership, Other
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Empowerment Zone, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
