The American Psychological Association Committee on Disability Issues in Psychology (CDIP) is seeking nominations for two new members, each to serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2020 thru December 31, 2022. For the 2020-2022 term, to further its mission and effectively address priorities, CDIP is seeking nominees with:
• The lived experience of disability culture,
• knowledge of the principles and implementation of Universal Design,
• commitment to disability inclusion within psychology and among various sectors of society,
• knowledge of human rights and law, and/or,
• firsthand experience in APA governance, including at the state, regional, divisional, or national
level.
The Committee is strongly committed to ensuring diversity of its membership, and therefore takes into consideration gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, race, ethnicity, and stage of career.
APA is engaged in a process of transformation, placing a much greater emphasis on making an impact that clearly benefits society and improves lives. In February 2019, the Council of Representatives adopted a new strategic plan that sets APA’s organizational priorities for the next three to five years. Going forward, boards and committees will work in an integrated, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary manner since no single board or committee can achieve any of the plan’s objectives on their own. Given the importance of this approach to the Association’s strategic priorities, APA encourages nominees to CDIP to review the strategic plan to become familiar with the larger context in which their expertise and interests will contribute to APA’s success.
CDIP is guided by the following mission:
“To advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting health, education and human welfare” by addressing all areas of disability issues in psychology. The mission of the Committee shall be to: Promote the psychological welfare of people with disabilities; Promote the development and implementation of psychological service delivery models responsive to the needs of people with disabilities; Promote the awareness of disability issues in psychological research as well as specific research activity in disability areas; and Promote the inclusion of knowledge about disabilities and disability Issues in education, training programs, and the professional development of psychologists.
CDIP priorities include but are not limited to:
• Addressing issues of accessibility and knowledge of the principles of universal design in all APA sponsored programs and activities;
• Making full use of communication resources (websites, newsletters, blogs, twitter, etc.) in fostering knowledge and collaboration around the promotion of addressing disability, access, and universal design throughout the Association, including Central Office staff, Members of Leadership in Governance (Board of Directors and Council of Representatives); Boards and Committees, and the Membership at large;
• Promoting the principles of universal design and addressing disability issues throughout psychological education, training, practice and research;
• Fostering a culture of inclusion and supporting the lives of people with disabilities.
• Providing guidance and support for APA’s government relations priorities as it relates to public policies
• impacting persons with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
• The Committee consists of six APA members appointed by the Council of Representatives through the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest. Members are appointed for three years and should have expertise in one or more of the areas listed above.
Each member of the CDIP is expected to:
1. Participate in at least one in-person meeting each year with expenses reimbursed by APA.
2. Participate in at least one virtual meeting each month (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 minutes) via the most appropriate and inclusive meeting technology.
3. Respond to email correspondence between in-person and virtual meetings.
How to submit nomination materials:
Nomination materials should include a current curriculum vitae, and a letter from the nominee indicating willingness to serve on CDIP, specifically highlighting competencies, interests, and potential contributions to the work of the Committee as they relate to the mission and priorities listed in this Call. Supporting letters are welcomed but not required, and self-nominations are encouraged.
The deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, August 30, 2019. All materials should be sent electronically to the attention of Lisa Bacote, Administrative Manager, Office on Disability Issues in Psychology, at disabilityoffice@apa.org. ALL SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ONE ACCESSIBLE DOCUMENT. If you require assistance making your documents accessible please contact our office at the email below. Questions about submissions should be directed to disabilityoffice@apa.org or 202-336- 5704.