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Diversity. Equity. Inclusion

APTA Montana recognizes that racism is an enormous and insidious force in our personal lives, local communities and the broader world. After numerous events in 2020, the nation experienced a renewed momentum for more concrete and authentic justice for folks who are Black, Indigenous and people of color.

Equality is the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. In order to achieve equality, people must be fair and respect differences in their values and status. This isn't just about rasicm, it's also about: 

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion of belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

Diversity can only be achieved once you have equality, and is a state of having differences, whether it is age, condition, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation. Promote diversity by encouraging a society where different groups can relate and build relationships.

APTA DEI

Improving DEI in the profession and association is one of APTA's strategic priorities. As of January 2022, here are the most recent articles published at APTA, 

https://www.apta.org/apta-and-you/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Climate Scan Tools: Access a list of climate scanning tools to help you assess the DEI culture of your individual spaces and identify areas of improvement.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy: APTA expands efforts to make the profession inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to all.
  • Cultural Competence in Physical Therapy: Cultural competence isn't a destination; it's a journey that never stops.
  • Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Evidence shows racial and ethnic disparities exist across a range of illnesses and health care services.
  • 2021 Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture by Charlene Portee, PT, PhD: Charlene Portee, PT, PhD, fellow of the American Academy of Physical Therapy, delivered the second Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy.



Healthcare-Specific Resources on racism  


New England Journal of Medicine: Diagnosing And Treating Systemic Racism


LGBTQIA+ Resources and Links, Montana Based and beyond

406 Pride – The Billings-based 406 Pride’s mission is to use education and outreach to work with the diverse populations of Montana to build unity, acceptance, and fellowship and to ensure that LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and throughout the community. The group hosts monthly events, quarterly volunteer outings, and ongoing educational programs.

Rainbow Coffee House - The Rainbow Coffee House is a safe space and provides time every Thursday evening during the school year and monthly over the summer in Billings for high school-aged LGBTQ+ students to gather, drink coffee (or tea), eat snacks and connect with community.

Pride Foundation – Pride Foundation is a regional community foundation, with a Montana chapter, that inspires giving to expand opportunities and advance full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people across the Northwest.

APTA: Seven Resources To Inform Your Practice With LGBTQ+ Patients and Clients - Concepts of cultural competency apply to more than race and ethnicity — they're relevant to any situation in which a set of congruent behaviors are required to enable work in a cross-cultural situation. This includes the practice of physical therapy with patients and clients who are members of a sexual or gender minority.


APTA Montana is looking for volunteers to serve/chair a committee to increase awareness and take action to promote diversity. Contact us by clicking the link in the footer below.

Do you know of a service that should be linked here? Please let us know, mapta@mapta.com





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