The Importance of Inclusive Language

Recorded On: 05/25/2023

Language is extremely powerful and ever-changing. Language can consciously or unconsciously belittle, exclude, reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to the unequal status of individuals. Inclusive language is not about political correctness or impinging on free speech; it is about communicating in a way that is accessible and respectful and values, includes and empowers all members of our organization and workplace. This program will also focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. The goal of this workshop is to provide ADEA members with practical examples and strategies to further a climate of inclusion.

Learning Objectives:

Define the term inclusive language.
Explain the importance of inclusive language to a sense of belonging in the workplace.
Apply actionable strategies to promote inclusion at ADEA.
Explain the importance of pronouns in affirming someone’s identity.

Original Release Date: May 25, 2023

Expiration Date: May 25, 2026

Teaching Methods: Self-instruction

Questions? Contact learn@adea.org

Disclaimer

The purpose of this program is to educate and inform. Information provided in this program is not a substitute for professional care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests at this presentation express their own experience, opinions and conclusions, which do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or any organization or group with whom they may be affiliated. Expressed viewpoints and opinions by speaker(s), presenter(s), guest(s) and/or facilitator(s) are also not those of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), ADEA staff or the ADEA Board of Directors. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an endorsement by ADEA.

CE Information

ADEA is an ADA CERP recognized provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a continuing education (CE) provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ada.org.

ADEA designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credits.

CE credit is awarded for overall participation in the ADEA The Importance of Inclusive Language webinar.

All speakers agree that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.

Sara Bendoraitis, M.Ed.

Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Learning

American Dental Education Association

Sara Bendoraitis is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Learning at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In this role, Sara champions the importance of a diverse and inclusive environment and leads the creation of strategies to foster a strong sense of belonging and create a welcoming, safe, equitable, and inclusive culture in academic dentistry.

Sara was formerly with OPTICA, where she was Director of Membership Program Development. From 2011 to 2018, she was Director of Programming, Outreach and Advocacy at American University’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She began her work at American University as Director of their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Resource Center in 2007 till 2011. Sara has an M.S. in Education Administration from Texas A&M University and a BA in Women’s Studies and Political Science from the University of Rhode Island.

Sara has presented at national conferences on student identity support and advocacy, gender-neutral housing best practices, academic and student affairs collaboration, assessing Safe Zone programs, leadership, unconscious bias and women’s and gender centers. Sara also been a consultant for various federal government agencies, national and international non-profits, higher education institutions, and the United States Naval Academy.

She has served as a board member the NASPA Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women, a NASPA Regional Representative, the Education, Advocacy, and Outreach Chair and Co-Chair for the Consortium of Higher Education Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Professionals, and a member of the Council on the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education Board of Directors. In her spare time, Sara can be found spending time with her family as well as running the HY-Swap, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing and circulating items in good condition within the community, providing savings for local families and reducing waste.

Speaker agrees that neither I nor any member of my family have a financial arrangement or affiliation with any corporate organization offering financial support or grant monies for this continuing education program, nor do I have a financial interest in any commercial products or services I will discuss in the presentation.

Pronouns Explained

Understanding and Challenging Systematic Oppression

Slide Handout

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Content Questions

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