ACRM Statement on Equity
ACRM is an organization made up of a vibrant group of diverse rehabilitation professionals and individuals from around the world. ACRM celebrates disability as a facet of diversity which means welcoming both non-professionals and professionals with lived experience. We strive to improve the lives of all people with disabilities through scientific evidence-based research and innovation. We implement our vision by advancing knowledge, enabling effective rehabilitation services, advocating for policies that remove service-access barriers, and providing support for people with disabilities, of all ages, race, and ethnicity to thrive. We aspire to be an inclusive organization that listens to and respects all voices. We value cultural and other differences in backgrounds and perspectives, and act with openness to the wisdom and experience of our members and those we serve.
ACRM aspires to demonstrate its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility by:
- Creating a caring and respectful space where all individuals can flourish through a sense of belonging.
- Maintaining a Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration that provides insight, guidance, and direction on diversity, equity, and inclusion matters pertinent to ACRM’s vision.
- Improving the lives of those with disabling conditions through interdisciplinary rehabilitation research and dissemination of activities.
- Reduce disparities in health, function, and access to rehabilitation services in society; by encouraging research, policy, and clinical work and by advancing leadership development, collaboration, and providing a venue for dissemination of new knowledge.
- Mentoring professionals at all stages of career development including, but not limited to, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, to foster their success in the rehabilitation field.
- Facilitating ACRM members from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives to seek positions of leadership and be recognized with ACRM awards and honors.
- Collaborating with community organizations relevant to rehabilitation and other partners with lived experience – both patients and clinical researchers living with disability.
- Actively seeking input from members and community partners and acting with openness and respect to input of organizational actions.
- Designing a conference program that includes speakers from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives and addresses topics relevant to people living with disabilities.
- Identifying and removing barriers that would prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in ACRM activities, events and initiatives including the Annual Conference.
- Periodically evaluating the financial feasibility of participating in ACRM as a member and/or event participant and making adjustments in rates and fees where possible. Promoting an inclusive atmosphere and reducing access barriers, especially for those with financial hardships.
- Actively advocating for accessibility and research and services in rehabilitation sciences through activities in partnerships such as Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR), and the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition. https://acrm.org/about/legislative-updates/
If you have suggestions to improve ACRM efforts on diversity, equity, & inclusion, please view the Committee on Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Site insert: https://acrm.org/about/committee-on-diversity-equity-inclusion/
Respectfully,
The ACRM Board of Governors
