ACRM Statement on Equity

ACRM is an organization made up of a vibrant group of diverse rehabilitation professionals and consumers from around the world who work collaboratively to help improve the lives of all people with disabilities, regardless of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age and economic status.

We stand firmly against all forms of racism and discrimination throughout our communities, among our membership, and within our staff. We commit to expanding our actions to fight against all forms of racism and other systemic inequities and to further engage our colleagues from all underrepresented groups.

ACRM is committed to addressing issues on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In April, we amended our ad hoc Committee on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion to a permanent standing committee co-chaired by Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD and Mark A. Hirsch, PhD, FACRM. This committee was formed to facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration on matters related to diversity, equity and inclusion that are pertinent to ACRM, its members and the rehabilitation community, which is guided by the ACRM mission of improving the lives of persons with disabilities through interdisciplinary rehabilitation research. 

We strive to ensure equitable access to high quality rehabilitation services and research opportunities and close the gap on all issues of inequity. We aim to respectfully celebrate our diversity, develop and implement equitable practices, and institute programming and awards that reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We urge all ACRM members to participate in open dialogue, to promote inclusivity and to identify strategies to ensure ACRM represents the diversity of rehabilitation worldwide.

If you have suggestions to improve ACRM efforts on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, please email suggestions to DEI@acrm.org.

Respectfully yours,
The ACRM Board of Governors