Inherent in the values of DDP, embedded in the PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) stance is our core belief that all people must be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
DDPI has made a firm commitment to embrace diversity and inclusion with the aim of making it an integral part of everything that we do. We understand that we are at the beginning of our diversity journey which is one of understanding and learning new ways of engaging with the diverse communities that we work with across the globe where differences of opinion, belief, or culture exist.
We recognise that the development of DDP has been influenced by a dominant Western culture, including the psychological theory and models underlying it. We commit to learning from the global majority to influence its further development.
It is important in cases where we come across diverse ways of being that exist outside of the dominant Western culture we choose to adopt an attitude of curiosity, acceptance and empathy. To better understand these differences and perspectives which have been shaped by the lived experiences of people before we collaboratively move forward.
We promote that all those we work with will be treated without discrimination regardless of race, age, religion, sex, national origin, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or source of payment.
To aid us in better understanding the needs of under-represented groups within DDPI and global societies we have formed the Racial Equity Social Justice (RESJ) Committee. This will help us to embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into all areas of DDPI. However, this is not their work alone. This is a task for all of the DDPI community. For some this will mean stepping out of our comfort zones, experiencing discomfort and being courageous in speaking out for social justice and amplifying the voices of those that are under-represented.
We will find new ways of working and connecting with different communities. In line with our core value of embracing difference, we aspire to make DDPI a place where people can bring their authentic selves into DDP spaces and not feel a need to compartmentalise any of their identities or cultural patterns of behaviours.
Further, we at DDPI pledge to stay actively committed to making our community, training experiences, consultation services, parenting support, and therapy a more diverse culture that reflects the remarkable heterogeneity of the children, families, carers, educators, and therapists we work with.
We commit ourselves to actively integrate the ethos of diversity in our work and will continue to explore this issue with a vigorous action plan for the future.
Last modification made July 2023
