Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

This course on Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion focuses specifically on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in achieving full societal participation and self-determination. The training emphasizes that individuals with IDD represent a diverse population with intersectional identities and unique strengths, requiring equitable access to opportunities through the removal of systemic barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and community participation. Key course components include promoting inclusive practices, creating accessible environments, providing person-centered support, and empowering independence through self-determination—the fundamental right for individuals to make their own life choices about where to live, work, and spend their time. The course also introduces the concept of "dignity of risk," which challenges the tendency to overprotect people with disabilities from reasonable risks that are part of normal life experiences. Instead, it advocates for creative support that maximizes independence while respecting personal choice-making as essential to human dignity and quality of life.