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 requires intentional action across our profession and association -- action by organizations and individuals.

APTA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan outlines necessary actions and best practices to help us live our shared vision of a more equitable and inclusive organization and profession.

Other resources identified in this APTA link include courses, lectures, and articles.

Improving DEI in the profession and association is one of APTA's strategic priorities. As of May 2024, here are the most recent articles published at APTA.
  • APTA Women's Leadership Summit
  • 2023 Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture by Emmanuel B. John
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit
  • DEI Certificate at the APTA Learning Center
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Climate Scan Tools
  • HHS Expands Nondiscrimination Protections in ACA, Rehabilitation Act
  • NIH: People With Disabilities Among Groups Experiencing Health Disparities

Healthcare-Specific Resources on 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.
 
Do you know of a service that should be linked here? Please send us your suggestion through the contact us link below. 

APTA Montana is looking for volunteers to serve/chair a committee to increase awareness and take action to promote diversity.

 
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