Inclusive Excellence Committee
The Inclusive Excellence Committee seeks to integrate the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging throughout APTA North Carolina's work and activities to optimize the experience of members and leaders, professional partners, and the communities we serve.
Committee Charge:
- Provide counsel to the APTA North Carolina Board and association leadership on opportunities to create an inclusive organization for all physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students.
- Identify and provide recommendations to APTA North Carolina in promoting and using inclusive practices consistent with the Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant.
- Coordinate and collaborate with other APTA North Carolina committees and special interest groups, when doing so can further the work of the committee and organization.
- Identify and provide recommendations to promote membership initiatives and policies that reduce barriers for engagement with APTA North Carolina.
- Promote community engagement and the core value of social responsibility through service to NC citizens in economically and educationally disadvantaged parts of the state.
- Conduct ongoing environmental scanning to identify emerging needs, barriers, and opportunities that impact inclusion within the profession and the association.
Community Impact Challenge:
In an effort to support community engagement and service in underserved communities, APTA North Carolina’s Inclusive Excellence Committee launched the Community Impact Challenge (CIC) which will award 2 programs (all DPT and PTA programs in North Carolina are eligible) monetary awards up to $1,500 each to assist with the implementation of a project/activity that addresses a community need.
The application for 2027 is now open. Applications are due by November 14, 2026. Grants will be awarded by January 2027. If selected for funding, applicants must commit to implementing the proposed project by September 2027 and present an overview of the project at the APTA North Carolina Annual Conference in October 2027.
CIC funding may be used for direct costs or other reasonably supported expenses related to the costs. The funds cannot be used for overhead or indirect costs. A successful proposal will thoroughly address each anticipated cost/expenditure with a clear justification and include an itemized budget to support projected expenditures
2026 CIC Winners:
- Anna Fish (Campbell University) - Move with Purpose: A Rural Mobility & Wellness Initiative ~ a free, community-based mobility and fall-prevention program in Harnett County
- Brisa Rivera Mondragon (Surry Community College) - Bridging the Gap: Increasing Physical Therapy Awareness and Access for Hispanic/Latino Community Members ~ bilingual community education sessions in Yadkinville, NC
2023 Community Impact Challenge Winners
2024 Community Impact Challenge Winners
2025 Community Impact Challenge Winners
CIC Application Form
Application FormWe encourage collaboration. The application form will ask for collaborations (e.g., PT/PTA collaborations, community partners, etc.)
By submitting this form:
--You confirm that all the information is true and correct, to the best of your knowledge.
--If selected as a winner, you agree to the appropriate use of funding and implementation of the project/activity within the designated timeframe and sharing an overview of project/activity in the form of a presentation at an APTA NC event. [If funds are not utilized within the funded year for activities proposed in the budget, the winning program agrees to return CIC funding to APTA North Carolina.
CIC Criteria
CIC CriteriaDownload criteria here.
CIC Scoring Rubric
CIC Scoring RubricDownload the scoring rubric here.
CIC FAQs
CIC FAQsDownload answers to frequently asked questions here.
Best Practices for Responsible Community Engagement
Best PracticesPlease take best practices into consideration. Downloadable here.
PTA Membership and Engagement
In collaboration with APTA North Carolina's PTA Director, Tiffany Needham, the APTA North Carolina Inclusive Excellence committee developed "The APTA & You: Value in PTA Membership & Engagement." This presentation is targeted to PTA students with a goal of increasing their knowledge about the various opportunities that exist with APTA membership and ways that APTA North Carolina can support them along their professional journey. While the target audience is PTA students, all members of the physical therapy profession may benefit from viewing this presentation.
UNC DPT's APTA PT Moves Me Ambassadors presented at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill, NC for their WOW! World of Work Career Exploration Camp on July 9, 2024
PT Moves Me Ambassador Program
Would you like to talk with students in elementary school, middle school, high school, or college about our profession? Consider becoming a PT Moves Me Ambassador and help recruit future PTs and PTAs!
Committee Membership
Interested in joining the APTA North Carolina Inclusive Excellence Committee? Create an account on APTA Engage. The application for Committee Member will open in the final quarter of the calendar year.
Resources
Affinity Groups and Professional Organizations
Connect with various groups and organizations that seek to foster professional belonging and provide various resources for historically minoritized groups.
Scholarship and Financial Resources
A collection of scholarship and financial resources for prospective students, current students, and licensees, aligned with the mission of APTA North Carolina’s Inclusive Excellence Committee.
Resources for Education and Practice
Discover selected resources assist with your professional development and to improve your ability to provide culturally responsive and inclusive care.
APTA DEI Educational Resources
Curated for you, explore articles, podcasts, videos, lectures, and other DEI-related content from the American Physical Therapy Association.
Contact Us
Have a question? Contact the Inclusive Excellence Committee Chair, Deidra Charity, PT, DPT.
deidradpt31@gmail.com
