Hello, OT JEDI listeners! As we approach the 2024 election, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the enduring importance of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion—our JEDI principles. Since 2020, there’s been a powerful call for justice and equity that has resonated across communities, professions, and industries. But as new challenges arise, we need to keep JEDI values central in all that we do.
I'm speaking to you now as the new Program Director of SUNY Downstate’s Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PP-OTD) program, where diversity and inclusion are integral. The faculty and student diversity at SUNY Downstate is essential, and I'm actively fostering this by building an inclusive, accessible, and representative program. To support practicing professionals, I've introduced a credit-for-prior-learning initiative, waiving up to 9 credits, saving students close to $10,000—a step toward making higher education more equitable.
Amid this transition, I’m thrilled to bring back OT JEDI with Season 3, focusing on sustaining and amplifying the JEDI movement. Let’s continue advancing these values together, in every sphere of life. Stay tuned for new episodes soon, and thank you for being part of this journey toward a more inclusive future.