Disability Etiquette Training Now Part of College of Rehabilitation Sciences STEP-UP

The Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences included MossRehab’s disability etiquette training program, It’s Just Respect, in its recent Summer Training and Enrichment Program (STEP-UP). The Rehabilitation Sciences STEP-UP prepares undergraduates from historically marginalized communities for the graduate degree application process for occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training and speech-language pathology. Jefferson also offers STEP-UP Medicine and STEP-UP Nursing.

It’s Just Respect, presented by Julie Hensler-Cullen, MossRehab’s director of education and quality, was developed with input from people with different types of disabilities and MossRehab staff. It’s rich with information and tips about communicating with and about people with disabilities in community, workplace and healthcare settings.

“When Julie presented the concept of It’s Just Respect, we thought it would be a great addition to our STEP-UP curriculum,” says Nannette Fromm, associate dean of student affairs in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences and assistant provost for diversity, equity and inclusion. “The skills presented in this session help lay the foundation for their future work as healthcare professionals.”

Hensler-Cullen says, “I’m thrilled to add the students in STEP-UP to the ranks of those who received our It’s Just Respect disability etiquette training.”

Along with It’s Just Respect, STEP-UP offers an introduction to the rehabilitation sciences, including classroom, lab and simulation experiences; time management and study skills training; personal statement and resume development; and an introduction to the admissions process, including transcript review and strategies for a more successful application. Participants also can work with admissions and writing center staff to gain a more tailored review of academic preparedness and personal statement development.