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Two students laughing together in a physical therapy lab.

Research in Equity, Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) LAB

 

Vision

To eliminate inequities in rehabilitation by leading research in the areas of equity, anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

 

Mission

Investigate challenges, strategies, and policies that impact inequities in rehabilitation research, education, and provision of services.

 

Goals

1. Investigate issues related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging within our own programs (research, education, clinical services)

2. Collaborate with university and community partners to advance research in the areas of equity, anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

3. Increase the number of grant submissions in the area of equity, anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

4. Provide a resource for Division researchers who are interested in incorporating EDI into their research

5. Support Division faculty, staff, and students in developing new projects and conducting ongoing research related to health inequity, describing the demographics of research participants, and disseminating findings to the research and clinical community.

Our Members

 

Past Publications in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Bold type indicates EDI lab member
*indicates research trainee

  • Matthews ND, Rowley KM, Dusing SC, Krause L, Yamaguchi N, Gordon J.  Beyond a Statement of Support: Changing the Culture of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy Journal. 2021;101, 12: pzab 212 https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab212

 

Regional and National Presentations

  • Matthews, ND. After the Seats are Filled: Building a Culture Equity and Inclusivity for a Diverse Community of Faculty and Learners. Virtual Podium Presentation.  Physical Therapy Learning Institute 2022 Disruptive Innovation in Physical Therapist Education Summit, April 8-9, 2022
  • Suarez, R, Gilmer J, Russell S. Improving Health Care Equity in Liver Transplant Patients: Communication in Patient’s Preferred Language. Platform Presentation. Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, 2022.
  • Johnson S, Montgomery T, Cole E, Matthews ND. Diversity in Action: Development of the USC Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Black Alumni Association. Poster Presentation. Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 5, 2022.
  • Matthews ND, Rundell SM. Building Community Through Storytelling. Poster Presentation. Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 4, 2022.
  • Mikkelsen PM, Rowley KM, Leech K, Havens K, Krause L. Leaning into Discomfort: A Tiered Approach to Engaging Faculty in Exploring Anti-Racism. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. Platform Presentation. Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, 2022.
  • Yamaguchi N, Yamada K, Yamaguchi R. Applying an Equity Framework to Physical Therapy Education: A case for culturally responsive teaching. Poster Presentation. Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, 2022.
  • Yamaguchi N, Yamada K, Sweeney R. Universal Design for Learning: Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Physical Therapy Education. Podium Presentation, Educational Leadership Conference, Atlanta, GA. October 22, 2021.
  • Matthews ND, Richey JR, Roy D, Winstein CJ. Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare and Science Panel Discussion. Virtual Podium Presentation, American Society of Neurorehabilitation Annual Conference, April 8, 2021.
  • Matthews ND, Johnson SD. Equity in Physical Therapy: Leveling the Playing Field. Virtual Podium Presentation, California Physical Therapy Association Student Conclave, March 20, 2021.
  • Behere A, Forteith M, Hyder A, Matthews ND, Waither K. Antiracism in Global Health Education. Virtual Podium Presentation, Consortium of Universities for Global Health, 12th Annual Conference, March 13, 2021.
  • Cobian I*, Butera CD, SPEEDI Consortium, Dusing SC. The Influence of Access to Toys and Caregivers on Infant Cognitive Development. California PTA, Anaheim CA 2022. Accepted for presentation

 

University Presentations

  • Rowley M, Krause L, Havens K, Leech K, Mikkelsen P. Leaning Into Discomfort: A tiered approach to engaging faculty and staff who identify as white and non-black people of color in exploring anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. USC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week, March 9, 2021.
  • Matthews ND, Dusing SC, Krause L. Actions Speak Louder than Words: A Division’s Journey Toward Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. USC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week, March 9, 2021.