This online course (4 hours) builds on the existing leading-edge work in DEI, by filling current gaps in knowledge and practice related to episodic disabilities in the workplace. Living with one or more episodic disabilities presents a host of challenges, including the uncertainty of health management, access to resources, as well as finding and maintaining relationships of trust. The content presented focuses on the range of people living with episodic disabilities in the workplace, including staff, volunteers, students, clients, customers, and more who may be impacted by episodic disabilities and how well they feel supported/served in their respective roles.
Note that throughout the course, the term IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, Leading to belonging) will be used to describe the implementation of DEI initiatives in the workplace.
Course Learning Objectives include:
- Discussing various types of episodic disabilities
- Reviewing the impacts of episodic disabilities on the workplace
- Understanding the importance of maintaining personal privacy
- Exploring the IDEAL principles for improving organizational belonging
- Improving access to your organization by implementing Universal Design practices
- Exploring strategies for improved organizational communication
- Considering workplace accommodation in the context of episodic disability
- Considering the role of flexibility in preparing for and engaging in change
- Examining how a culture of change can become part of an organizational culture
- Reviewing the role of reflexivity in practice
Key audiences for this training include human resources specialists, as well as anyone in the workplace who is involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Each person participating in this course has a connection to what may be called diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Participants may work for an organization or be a consultant. If working within an organization, participants may be primarily responsible for DEI in your organization, or DEI may be part of your responsibilities.
The principles and examples presented are intended to be adapted to a wide variety of workplaces. As such, participants are invited to record their thoughts as you move through the course in an accessible format. Pausing to think about organizational circumstances will help with integrating the principles on a deeper level.
The course also includes an IDEAL climate inventory that may be distributed to employees within an organization to assess current efforts toward the integration of the IDEAL principles as well as readiness for organizational change.
Module One – Introducing Episodic Disabilities
Module Two – Beyond DEI: Integrating the IDEAL principles
Module Three – Listening to Learn
Module 4 – Aligning Your Work and Values
Note participants are encouraged to engage in reflexive writing throughout the course to foster connections and insights related to their work environments, as well as discuss course principles in groups interested in DEI work within the organization.
Registration
Once registered, you will have access to the course material for 10 weeks.
Prices: $350 non-members, $300 Realize members*
* Members must have a current paid membership with Realize. (Find out more about Realize membership.)
Group discounts for multiple registrants (associations, workplaces, etc.) are available:
2-5 people (10% discount), 6-10 people (15% discount), 10+ people (20% discount).
To arrange a group registration, please contact realizecampus@realizecanada.org
To find out more about Belonging at Work contact us at realizecampus@realizecanada.org.