Strategy Statement on Racial Equity

NASHIA recognizes the ongoing pain that continues to be felt across the country. The impact on our colleagues and friends in the Black community is significant and real. NASHIA stands in solidarity with our communities of color and is committed to supporting systemic change that eliminates bias and creates racial equality. We recognize that individuals of color living with disabilities are less likely to receive needed services and supports and more likely to die prematurely. This is unacceptable. 

NASHIA’s staff and Board of Directors are committed to continuing this conversation; we hope you are, too. Here are some of the ways in which we, as an advocacy community, can work to challenge the systems that have led to inequities across the nation:

• Understand and challenge our own implicit biases 

• Advocate for anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies 

• Review our own agency's internal policies, external communications, content and products and remove any culturally insensitive language, references or images

• Offer resources to our community that support systemic change to eliminate racial and social biases

We know that we do not have all the answers. We are continually listening and learning and striving to understand how we can be better, and do better. We remain determined to be better advocates, better educators, better colleagues, and better friends. Together, creating a world with better outcomes. We are here to support our members and any brain injury stakeholder in need of information, support or an ear to listen. Progress will only occur through action and NASHIA stands ready to act.