Inclusion and Diversity Statement
ACT strives to provide a staff and Board of Directors to represent and protect the mission of ACT and the individuals ACT serves. We consistently seek individuals from many diverse backgrounds with differing interests and goals that reflect the diversity of the world outside. At all times, the ACT culture will also promote the concepts of inclusion and diversity that encompasses acceptance and respect for all individuals, understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating diversity.
ACT recognizes that diversity is pivotal to the success of any non-profit initiative seeking to create a sustainable environment.
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ACT believes in incorporating multiple perspectives to demonstrate our commitment to fair and equal access to the arts. Diversity fosters an environment that facilitates exchange of different perspectives and ways of being. Diversity creates an environment that fosters appreciation and recognition of the values, skills, voices and abilities of everyone. ACT will recognize and define this through incorporation of a multiplicity of voices, cultures, genders, race, creeds, perspectives in thought and action, in policy and practice, in all spheres of ACT.
ACT prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status or any other characteristic or status protected by state or federal laws.
People-first language emphasizes the individuality, equality and dignity of people with disabilities. Rather than defining people primarily by their disability, people-first language conveys respect by emphasizing the fact that people with disabilities are first and foremost just that—people. At ACT, we encourage the use of people-first language when communicating about disability issues, whether verbally or in writing.
It is important to note that many people with disabilities, particularly younger people, are choosing to use “identity-first” language such as “autistic” or “disabled.” How a person chooses to self-identify is up to them, and they should not be corrected or admonished if they choose not to use identify-first language.
For more information on people-first language, please refer to the article below: