Empowering Leaders to Advance Inclusion: Celebrating the IDEA Community of Practice

What does true disability inclusion look like at the intersections of race and disability? It starts with knowledge, deepens through understanding, and is sustained by leadership. Achieving genuine inclusion requires bold action and a commitment to learning, unlearning, and expanding perspectives. However, many disability sector leaders face challenges in accessing the resources and support needed to fully embrace inclusion that reflects the unique experiences of Indigenous, Black, and Racialized people with Disabilities (IBRpD). Race & Disability Canada's 2024 IDEA Community of Practice was designed to support this journey, offering leaders the tools and insights to foster meaningful and lasting change.

What is the IDEA Community of Practice (CoP)?

The IDEA Community of Practice (CoP) is not just a program; it’s a transformative community empowering leaders to create workplaces where inclusion becomes a guiding practice woven into everyday interactions and decision-making. Through intentional learning and collaboration, leaders developed actionable strategies to shift how they engage with inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) as it relates to the intersections of race and disability. Specifically, the CoP focused on helping leaders:

• Increase their knowledge of the intersections of race and disability.

• Build confidence to discuss and address these intersections effectively.

• Co-create and implement strategies to enhance inclusion for Indigenous, Black, and Racialized people with disabilities within their organizations.

How It Worked

We engaged 21 leaders from the disability sector across Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

Over seven months, senior leaders in the disability sector engaged in expert-led sessions designed to move beyond theory and toward meaningful action on race and disability in leadership. The program provided a strategic framework for leaders to critically assess their roles in advancing equity, developing actionable solutions through executive-level discussions, scenario-based learning, and collaborative problem-solving.

Participants registered based on their proximity to Toronto, Winnipeg, or Vancouver, ensuring regionally relevant engagement and opportunities to build local networks. By learning alongside peers in their geographical areas, leaders not only explored strategies for addressing race and disability in leadership but also fostered long-term collaborations within their communities. The program structure emphasized strategic peer exchange, cross-sector accountability, and continuous leadership reflection, reinforcing a shared commitment to translating insights into tangible, system-wide impact.

Celebrating Success: How the IDEA CoP Made an Impact

The IDEA CoP was more than a learning experience—it was a catalyst for change. Leaders completed the program with a transformed perspective on diversity, a deeper understanding of their role in building truly inclusive organizations, and a renewed sense of accountability. Equipped with actionable strategies, they left prepared to drive meaningful, lasting change within their organizations.

Here’s how the CoP made an impact:

Increased Awareness of the Intersections of Race and Disability
94% of leaders left the program with a much deeper understanding of intersections of race and disability. They recognized that their initial understanding of inclusion hadn't fully accounted for the diverse needs of Indigenous, Black, and Racialized people with disabilities. One leader admitted, “I realized my organization wasn’t as inclusive as I thought. We still have a long way to go.” This honest reflection ignited a commitment to reassess policies and practices, pushing leaders to confront barriers that prevent full inclusion for Indigenous, Black, and Racialized people with disabilities.

Courage to Engage in Uncomfortable Conversations
The program empowered leaders to engage in difficult but necessary conversations about race and disability. Through a safe, supportive environment created by expert facilitators, leaders learned how to navigate sensitive topics, creating space for open dialogue. “We had honest conversations without fear. They made this a safe and empowering experience,” one leader shared. These conversations, although challenging, became a key driver of change, inspiring participants to reevaluate their organization’s policies and processes.

Building Community and Peer Support
Another core outcome was the creation of a lasting, supportive community. The opportunity to connect with peers in province-based groups provided ongoing support that extended far beyond the program itself. Leaders recognized that these connections were vital for long-term growth. One participant shared, “Being able to keep in touch with local peers was invaluable. We’re now able to support each other as we continue this work in our own cities.” These relationships have extended beyond the program, fostering an ongoing network of support for continued growth and learning.

Accountability and Practical Application
The IDEA CoP’s design, which balanced theoretical learning with practical application, kept leaders accountable for applying what they learned. “The 7-month structure was the perfect mix of theory and practice. We stayed engaged and on track,” said another participant. The program’s structured format ensured that leaders weren’t just absorbing information—they were actively applying it to their work, resulting in measurable impact within their organizations.

What’s Next? 

The journey of learning continues through the IDEA CoP Alumni Network, where members stay connected, deepen their discussions, and collaborate on advancing inclusion within their organizations

But our work doesn’t stop here.

Join the community of leaders and take your leadership to the next level!

The next phase of the IDEA CoP is already in development, and we are eager to expand its reach and amplify its impact. If you're ready to be part of this transformative community, join the waiting list and you’ll be the first to know when registration for the next IDEA CoP opens. Join the waiting list now.

Want something to help you in while you wait? Build a More Inclusive Workplace with Our IDEA Toolkits

The IDEA Toolkits are a practical, step-by-step guide on building an inclusive organization. tAccess the toolkits today at racedisability.ca/idea-toolkits

Stay Connected: Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about our work and be the first to know when the next cohort of the Community of Practice opens for applications.

Transformational leadership begins with you. It’s time to step forward, take action, and make your organization truly inclusive.