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Defining JEDI
The JEDI committee has identified the following definitions :
Justice involves treating individuals with fairness and is a core foundation for achieving DEI . It is a method for attaining policy changes at the organizational , state , and societal levels . Justice is a responsibility within our profession that prompts us to actively address inequities that oppress meaningful engagement in everyday occupations for persons , families , communities , and populations through equitable distribution of resources and promoting occupational and social justice .
Equity ensures everyone is given equal opportunity . Equity considers that individuals have different access to resources because of systems of oppression and privilege . Equity seeks to balance that disparity . Equity involves equitable access to resources at individual and systemic levels while recognizing discrimination , prejudices , and biases and addressing them accordingly .
Diversity involves having a workforce that closely reflects individuals who need our services , including various backgrounds , identities , experiences , and thoughts . Diversity is broadly defined as the unique attributes , values , and beliefs that make up an individual ( Taff & Blash , 2017 ) when compared with the context of a group or population .
Inclusion embraces the value of all individuals and is the active response to diversity by fostering acceptance , respect , belonging , and value for everyone ( AOTA , 2020 ). It promotes feelings of being seen , heard , understood , safe , and empowered . Inclusion is a literal or figurative space that encourages cultural humility and respect through actionable and justice-based efforts . It accepts and supports diversity wherein the uniqueness of beliefs , values , and attributes are welcomed , valued , and leveraged for maximum engagement ( Taff & Blash , 2017 ).
Goals for 2022
1 . Develop educational opportunities for ILOTA members to increase their awareness of topics related to JEDI within OT practice
2 . Provide opportunities to student members to engage in the JEDI SIS group by creating a support system for students through the CO- TAD Connections subgroup .
3 . Provide opportunities to encourage dialogue and conversations from people of all different experiences and backgrounds to engage in and learn from one another ’ s perspectives .
How to Get Involved
The JEDI SIS has monthly meetings every fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:30-6:30 PM via Zoom . Additionally , COTAD Connections has monthly meetings held every third Thursday of the month from 7:00-8:00 PM via Zoom . These meetings are intended to be a safe and welcoming space of acceptance , exploration of various perspectives , and active listening . To join the listserv for updates on meetings and current initiatives , members can email
ilotaJEDIsis @ gmail . com .
Dear JEDI is a new column that will be featured in each Communique issue . Practitioners and students are encouraged to submit questions , which will be maintained anonymous , regarding JEDI topics within the field of occupational therapy . JEDI SIS committee members will discuss and answer questions , using literature and the experience of other ILOTA members to inform answers . We hope Dear JEDI helps readers increase their understanding of JEDI-related topics within occupational therapy and improves their confidence to transform their practice and the field of occupational therapy to be more just . Submit a question
here .
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21 Illinois Occupational Therapy Association | 2022 ISSUE 1