Richard Edley • September 17, 2026
Project Beyond Diagnosis to Host "Beyond Inclusion" Free Webinar on October 22
Author
Richard Edley
Date
September 17, 2026
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Join Project Beyond Diagnosis for this 45-minute webinar on dismantling systemic ableism and centering disability leadership.
Participants will:
- Define ableism and recognize how it shows up in attitudes, organizational practices, policies, programs, and service systems;
- Distinguish between merely including people with disabilities — offering "a seat at the table" — and ensuring they hold meaningful leadership, authority, and decision-making power;
- Identify how systemic ableism can exclude people with disabilities or limit their influence, even within programs designed to serve them;
- Apply the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us" to policy development, program design, and service implementation; and
- Identify practical actions to dismantle ableism and ensure people with disabilities are in the driver's seat in decisions affecting their lives and communities.
Project Beyond Diagnosis was created to address gaps by examining how the current MH/IDD framework leaves out individuals with developmental disabilities. We document the impact on individuals and their families and develop actionable recommendations for change. Services should be based on people’s needs - not just their diagnosis. The Beyond Diagnosis Project lifts the voices of Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and their families, showing why change is urgently needed.
View the flyer for complete details. Register for the webinar here.



