Understanding Diversity and Complexity  

📘 Overview

This one-week unit introduces students to the concept of diversity in the context of disability and rehabilitation. Students reflect on their own cultural assumptions and explore the dimensions, benefits, and challenges of diversity. Key diversity models and theories—including Intersectionality, Social Model of Disability, and Cultural Competence—are also explored, with applications in mediation and inclusive practice. 

🎯 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Define diversity and explain its relevance in disability and mediation settings.

• Identify and distinguish between primary, secondary, organizational, and additional dimensions of diversity.

• Recognize common challenges to diversity and inclusion, including bias, miscommunication, and resistance.

• Evaluate strategies to promote diversity in workplaces, schools, and communities.

• Apply theories such as the Social Model of Disability, Ecological Systems Theory, and Intersectionality to real-life cases.

📅 Learning Activities 

• Intro Reflection:
  Students complete and share responses to the self-awareness prompts (e.g., “I wear my hair the way I do because…”). This sets the tone for understanding diversity as personal and contextual.

• Read core slides:
  “Definitions of Diversity,” “Dimensions of Diversity,” “Challenges & Benefits,” and “Diversity Theories.”

• Class Discussion Topics:

  1. "Why is diversity essential in disability mediation and rehabilitation?"

  2. "What challenges arise in promoting diversity in educational or healthcare settings?"

  3. "Which dimension of diversity (primary, secondary, organizational) do you think impacts people the most? Why?"

• Group Activity – Diversity Wheel Mapping:
  In small groups, students map the different dimensions of their own diversity using a layered “diversity wheel.” Groups discuss how these dimensions influence perspectives and interaction.

• Model Application Task:
  Assign groups to one of the theories (e.g., Empowerment Theory, Cultural Competence, Intersectionality). Each group summarizes the theory and presents a disability mediation case where it applies.

📚 Suggested Reading List 

Crenshaw, K. (1989). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color

Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development

Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine

Review Slides:

• “Diversity in Contexts”
  
  

• “Theories/Models of Diversity”
  
  

• “Promoting Diversity”

• 📝 Likely Exam Question 1 (Applied Scenario – Disability & Environment)

• Scenario:
  Ama is a university student with a physical disability that requires her to use a wheelchair. Despite the institution’s inclusion policies, she finds it difficult to access lecture halls due to inadequate infrastructure. She also experiences subtle exclusion from peers and faculty—often being overlooked during group work or offered unsolicited help without consultation. As a result, she feels disempowered and is considering withdrawing from her studies.

• Question:
  Based on the diversity and disability models discussed in class (e.g., Social Model of Disability, Cultural Competence Model, Empowerment Theory, Intersectionality Theory),
  which model would be most appropriate to apply in addressing Ama’s situation? Justify your answer with reference to the model’s core principles and how it can guide solutions.

• 📝 Likely Exam Question 2 (Applied Scenario – Disability & Identity)

• Scenario:
  Kwame is a visually impaired high school student who identifies as part of an ethnic minority group. At school, he often feels excluded—not only due to his disability but also because of cultural stereotypes held by teachers and classmates. Though he performs well academically, Kwame feels unseen, misunderstood, and disconnected from both the curriculum and school community.

• Question:
  Which diversity theory or model—such as Intersectionality Theory, Cultural Competence, or Bio-Psycho-Social Model—would best help explain and address Kwame’s experience?
  Support your answer by explaining the model’s key features and how it helps to understand the overlapping challenges Kwame faces.