Cristina Zapata’s Post

🌟 Celebrating Autistic Pride Day! 🌟 Today, on Autistic Pride Day, we honour and celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and perspectives of autistic individuals. This day is all about self-acceptance, identity affirmation, and promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation for neurodiversity. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. At In Diverse Company, we believe in fostering a world where everyone's neurological differences are not just accepted but celebrated. 🌈 Join us in embracing neurodiversity, challenging misconceptions, and supporting autistic voices. 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆.

Pictured here: a graphic representation of Operation House Call (OHC), via its spotlight presentation at the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, entitled "Optimizing Care Systems for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities." Learn more about OHC at thearcofmass.org/ohc

As a firm believer in the power of #education to shape young minds and pave the way for future success, I'm continually inspired by the vital role that early childhood education plays in our society. From the moment children enter this world, they are like sponges, soaking up knowledge and experiences that will influence their development for years to come. One cornerstone of early childhood education that often goes overlooked is the invaluable contribution of children's museums. These vibrant spaces serve as interactive hubs where young learners can explore, discover, and ignite their curiosity in a hands-on environment! Whether it's experimenting in exhibits, delving into art activities, or engaging in imaginative play, children's museums like Port Discovery Children's Museum provide a stimulating and nurturing environment that fosters holistic development. Research consistently underscores the significance of early childhood experiences in shaping cognitive, social, and emotional skills that lay the groundwork for future academic and personal achievements. By investing in quality early childhood education programs and supporting initiatives like children's museums, we can empower our youngest learners to thrive and reach their full potential. Let's recognize and celebrate the pivotal role that early childhood education, including the invaluable contributions of children's museums, plays in shaping the trajectory of our future generations. Together, let's ensure that every child has access to enriching educational experiences that set them on a path toward lifelong learning and success. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ChildrensMuseums #EducationMatters #FutureLeaders #InvestInOurChildren

Racial Equity Consciousness Institute (RECI) film trailer released! Associate Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems, Ron Idoko, founded the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute (RECI) in 2021. RECI's mission is to provide individuals and communities with the tools to actively deconstruct racism and cultivate racial equity. Watch here: https://ow.ly/uT8f50QFjb3

In September of 2022, the University of Minnesota's Research and Training Center on Community Living, in collaboration with the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence, held a virtual gathering of leaders in and outside of the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities called the State of the Science Conference on Community Living: Engaging Persons With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities From Underserved Racial, Ethnic, Linguistic, and Cultural Groups in Research. This special issue of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities summarizes the literature and findings from this conference by topic. https://lnkd.in/gyhTgtnw

If you want a diverse workforce, you have to be intentional about creating one. What strategies does your organization use to recruit and retain a diverse workforce?

Tomorrow 6/20/24 YBMGI will continue (from our May 10th summit) the crucial conversation around the future & trajectory of Young Black boys. This Collective Impact Roundtable will gather educators, CBOs, faith-based & community leaders, parents, advocates and young men themselves - all dedicated to leveling and leveraging the ecosystem for Black boys. What to Expect: Insightful Discussions: Learn from experts, researchers and thought leaders on the unique opportunities facing Black boys today. Collaborative Solutions: Engage in discussions to develop actionable strategies for fostering positive outcomes. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to making a difference. Shared Data Metrics: Designing systems for visible community expectations and accountability. Collaborative Messaging: Developing language that reimagines success and redefines the collective narrative. Who Should Attend: Educators and school administrators Community and youth leaders Parents and guardians Policy makers and advocates Faith-based Stakeholders Anyone passionate about supporting the future of Black boys Join us tomorrow 6/20/24, 10:00 - 2:00 PM, at the Chinese American Planning Council, 45 Suffolk Street, NYC. (accessible via the F,M, and J train to Delancey- Essex Street Station)

Equity is at the center of ATD’s work. With the nationwide call for racial justice, colleges now — more than ever — are taking action. Community Colleges realize they must examine and redesign structures, processes, and attitudes that fuel inequities in order to create spaces where every student can thrive. Learn more about ATD’s equity work: https://lnkd.in/gr5XjwPZ

Equity is at the center of ATD’s work. With the nationwide call for racial justice, colleges now — more than ever — are taking action. Community Colleges realize they must examine and redesign structures, processes, and attitudes that fuel inequities in order to create spaces where every student can thrive. Learn more about ATD’s equity work: https://lnkd.in/gr5XjwPZ

The importance of changing history begins with the understanding of our place in it. The last institution in Indiana closed its doors a mere 17 years ago. Has all that much of society changed in terms of inclusive communities? When was the last time you saw a person with a disability being a welcomed regular at your gym, your church, local restaurants, bars, and libraries? Community is at heart of what we are trying to do: how can we shift conversations and beliefs of people to truly demonstrate to families that their child, their sibling, their aunt, their coworker, their neighbor is welcome anywhere? Our state’s history is dark and sobering. We come historically from forced sterilization and seclusion, but can we revolutionize that narrative into something truly innovative? Our work demonstrates this by investing in the belief that once a person ages out of high school, they should continue to access life-changing Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapies. If our society believes that they are done learning and growing at 22, then that’s all that we believe people with disabilities are worth. We’re here to forever change that belief.