What is IDEA?
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility (IDEA)
The NNSS IDEA program embodies a commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace culture. Inclusion is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring every individual feels valued and respected. At the NNSS, we prioritize creating an environment where all voices are heard, and everyone is included in decision-making processes. Diversity is celebrated as we recognize and honor the vast differences among us, including but not limited to age, gender, race, personalities, skills, and backgrounds. Equity guides our policies and practices, ensuring fair treatment for all, regardless of identity. We strive to remove barriers through accessibility measures, accommodating and modifying our environments to ensure equal opportunities for everyone, including those with disabilities. Through the NNSS IDEA program, we aim to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to thrive, have a feeling of belonging, and can contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Inclusion is the how. Inclusion ensure everyone is valued, important, and respected as an individual in the workplace.
- How do people feel?
- How does the organization include different people?
- Is everyone given opportunities for advancement, training, etc.?
- Is everyone invited/included?
Diversity is the who. Diversity describes measurable people differences including (but not limited to):
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Personalities
- Skills
- Background
Diversity of the awareness, respect, and celebration of these differences – valuing what makes us unique!
Equity is about fairness in policy and practice. Equity refers to fair treatment for all people so the norms, practices, and policies in place ensure identity is not predictive of opportunities or workplace outcomes.
Accessibility is about removing barriers. Accessibility removes the barriers that stop people from engaging in our built or digital environments. It includes provisions for accommodations and modifications to ensure equal access to employment and participation in activities for people with disabilities.