When working with individuals with developmental disabilities, it's important to remember that everyone brings unique skills and abilities to their job. As a co-worker or supervisor, you can create a more supportive and welcoming work environment by focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, using clear communication, offering assistance when needed and engaging in regular conversations about common interests. Avoid dramatic reactions to their disabilities, as most individuals have adapted positively to their challenges. These practices help foster a team-oriented and respectful workplace.

Various learning materials are available to the UCLA community and linked in this article, including the book "Unmasking Autism" by Devon Price and "Spectrum Women" by Barb Cook & Dr. Michelle Garnett, which explore neurodiversity and personal experiences. UCLA employees also have free access to LinkedIn Learning courses on supporting workers with disabilities and understanding ADHD in the workplace. Additionally, you can enjoy a TEDxUCLA talk, where Russell Lehmann discusses his journey with autism.

The CDC defines developmental disabilities as conditions that impair physical, learning, language or behavior areas, often starting before birth but sometimes occurring after due to injury or infection. These disabilities, which typically last a lifetime, can affect daily functioning. Examples include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, Tourette syndrome, and epilepsy. Using people-first language, such as "person with a disability," acknowledges that a disability is part of a person's identity but not their entirety.

The Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) at UCLA, established in 2019, aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. Despite a temporary pause due to the pandemic, the program has successfully placed 30 individuals in various positions within UCLA and the local workforce, fostering independence and productivity. 

March and April feature several recognition months and days to honor the contributions of various community members. March includes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Women’s History Month and National Deaf History Month, along with specific days like International Women’s Day and World Down Syndrome Day. April highlights National Arab American Heritage Month, National Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month, World Autism Awareness Day and the Festival of Ridvan, celebrated by Bahá'ís. These observances aim to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of different groups.

An ally is someone who is not a member of an underrepresented group and who actively supports and purposefully promotes a marginalized group to advance change. If you want to be an ally at work, here are some ways.

Language is crucial for fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Learn more about respectful language to use when speaking to and about people from North, Central and South America who identify as American Indian, Indian, Native American, Indigenous or Native. 

Learning about the lives of others and the ways we can help create stronger workplaces and communities as community-builders and allies is a year-round opportunity. Take advantage of your free LinkedIn Learning account, UCLA Library privileges and other community resources. 

Explore culture, expand your knowledge, enjoy yourself and meet new people. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up, including CicLAvia: the Valley, art and museum exhibits, and the Hollywood Pow Wow and LA Skins Fest sponsored by the UCLA American Indian Studies Center.

Native American knowledge and innovation have impacted many facets of life. Among them: traditional medicine’s influence on Western healthcare, the creation of kayaks, baby bottles, snow goggles, and other items, and the impact of Native American scholars in myriad professions and academic fields.