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Diversity comes in various forms, including disabilities that can be visible or invisible. Learn about managing and valuing diversity, understanding barriers to inclusion, and the societal impact of embracing disability inclusivity.
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Diversity INCLUDES Disability John G. Miers
Diversity: What is it? There are two dimensions to diversity: • Primary: Those factors which cannot be changed – age, race, ethnicity, gender, etc. • Secondary: Those factors which can be changed – education, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, religious beliefs, parental status, etc.
Diversity: Managing it Managing Diversity is the process of creating and maintaining an environment that enables all participants to contribute to their full potential in pursuit of organizational objectives.
Uniformity • Sometimes it can be good: (Thank you, Herbert Hoover) • Examples: • Cinder blocks • Bricks • Pipes • 2 by 4’s • But….. • Diversity adds SPICE to our existence
Diversity • Diversity is Inclusive • No one is left out
Diversity includes Disability • Disabilities can be primary or secondary,too • They may even be both • Disabilities can be visible or invisible; hidden or obvious
Disability is Common: • 54 million Americans – 1 in 5 – reported that they had some kind of disability • 26 million Americans – 1 in 10 – reported that they had a severe disability • The likelihood of having a disability increases with age
Disability is Diagonal: It can happen: • To anyone • At any time • In any manner • Known or unknown
There are 3 Types of Barriers to Inclusion: • Structural/Architectural • Communicative • Attitudinal • This is the least expensive barrier, but the hardest to deal with
Disability is Unique: Disability is the only minority group that is constantly accepting new members!
The Value of Diversity • A diverse workforce reflects the strength and breadth of the country • Each person has different priorities • A diverse workforce will reflect all of these priorities
The Value of Diversity • Schooling, activities, education, occupations, and research interests will often reflect the personal priorities and experiences of the individual • Can you think of a situation where this is the case for you? For your family members?
Diversity in Research • A person’s research interests often reflect their personal interests: • Native Americans >> Diabetes • African Americans >> Sickle Cell • Parents >> Child Health • Elderly persons >> Alzheimer’s Disease • Deaf & Hard of Hearing >> Communications • The maximum diversity will lead to the most different sets of interests being studied
What This Means • Having a diverse workforce is critically important • Disability must be fully represented
Next Steps • Employment and training must be open to all • Relevant research must be undertaken • Extra steps must be taken: (Affirmative action is necessary)
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