ACL Blogpost: Toward a More Inclusive Definition of Diversity in the Disability Community

March 31, 2015

As Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month draws to a close, it is important that we take time to reflect on the values embodied within the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. The DD Act, as it is commonly known, ensures that people with developmental disabilities in the United States and their families have access to services and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and inclusion in their communities.

The nearly 5 million Americans with developmental disabilities represent a vast diversity of backgrounds, experiences and cultures. This is why the DD Act specifically calls for the services and supports it provides to be delivered "...in a manner that is responsive to the beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes, language, and behaviors of individuals who are receiving the services..."

To make the DD Act's vision a reality, AIDD is actively taking steps to increase the cultural competency of our leaders, staff, and decision makers across the developmental disability network.

Find out why cultural competency and diversity matter and what AIDD is doing to increase diversity.