Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in UIC Physical Therapy
Our Commitment
UIC’s Department of Physical Therapy is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging to personify and pursue excellence in teaching, learning, research and practice. We strive to create a safe, equitable and diverse space that embraces individuals from uniquely varied backgrounds, abilities, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We engage in purposeful and compassionate collaboration with both local and global communities to achieve sustainable health outcomes for all.
This is the foundation of our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) work. IDEA is embedded in how we teach, practice, and partner with communities.
Our efforts at the department level supplement those at the overall university level as well as at the college level. See UIC Diversity Initiatives and the College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS) Anti-Racism and Social Justice Initiatives for more information.
In the Classroom
Our Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum prepares students to recognize and respond to health disparities, practice cultural humility, and integrate accessibility into every aspect of care.
- PT 496: Intro to LGBTQIA2S+ Health
Explores health disparities, implicit bias, and gender-affirming care to prepare students to advocate for equity in LGBTQIA2S+ communities. - PT 591: Social Justice and Equality for Living
Examines diversity, inequity, inclusion, and health from both local and global perspectives. - AHS 294: Healthy Living for Pandemic Protection
Investigates how pandemics amplify inequities and what clinicians can do to protect vulnerable populations. - Healthy Living Practitioner™ Certificate
Equips students to address social determinants of health and foster sustainable wellness in underserved communities. - Curriculum-Wide Integration
Core PT courses (PT 626, 627, 628) embed IDEA principles through reflective learning, case studies, guest panels, and anti-racist frameworks. - Curriculum and Faculty Engagement
We are launching a curriculum audit to review syllabi for representation, framing of health disparities, and accessibility. Faculty will participate in roundtables on inclusive teaching—informal, honest spaces to share what works and what still needs attention.
In the Community
Our IDEA commitment extends beyond campus and into the neighborhoods we serve. We engage in purposeful and compassionate collaboration with Chicago communities to expand access to care and build sustainable health outcomes.
- Health and Wellness Academy
PT students mentor elementary students (predominantly Latinx) as “Health and Wellness Ambassadors,” fostering belonging and empowering young leaders to share health knowledge with their families. - Pathways to PT
Through partnerships with schools like Kenwood Academy, our students and faculty introduce diverse high school learners to careers in physical therapy, broadening access to the profession. - Faculty Practice Clinics
Provide accessible orthopedic, sports medicine, bariatric, pain management, and cardiac rehabilitation services to primarily African American and Latinx patients, while modeling inclusive, patient-centered care. - Health Tech Jam
Patients, students, and community members collaborate to co-design digital tools that address barriers to care. - Pipeline Programs: From Outreach to Action
Building on PT 350, CPS outreach, and a growing mentorship network, we are formalizing a structured mentorship program with training and clear expectations. We are deepening partnerships with UIC Prep and Malcolm X College and exploring bridge courses to support students preparing to apply to the DPT program. Faculty participation is vital—especially for mentoring students considering research, clinical education, or academic careers.
These community partnerships embody our vision: creating inclusive and equitable spaces, embracing diverse perspectives, and working together toward healthier, stronger communities.
Student Leadership and Recognition
Students are central to our IDEA work, shaping the culture of our department and leading change.
- IDEA Advisory Committee
A cross-section of students, faculty, and staff guides departmental priorities and accountability. - Student Town Halls
Regular open forums with department leadership create direct channels for student voices. - IDEA Award
Recognizes students whose work in service, research, or advocacy advances inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in physical therapy. - Student Belonging and Wellness
We are committed to wellness in ways that are real and responsive: calm spaces, stress relief during finals, and gender-neutral bathrooms. Beyond one-time support, we are building sustainable structures—feedback loops, regular wellness programming, and policies that promote a culture of belonging throughout the year.
Admissions: Still Holistic, Still Evolving
personal statements, first-generation status, and lived experiences. We are also adding bias training for admissions reviewers, ensuring transparency in decision-making, and expanding support for prospective applicants. Our goal is to welcome a class that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Preparing for Inclusive Practice
Graduates of UIC’s PT program are equipped to:
- Deliver culturally responsive and accessible care
- Recognize and reduce health disparities
- Advocate for equity in health care policy and practice
- Lead inclusive, accessible clinics and organizations
Looking Ahead
IDEA is not a box to check—it is about creating a culture that values belonging, reflects our students’ realities, and reshapes the pipeline into our profession. We are committed to:
- Recruiting and supporting students from underrepresented and marginalized groups
- Deepening partnerships with Chicago schools, clinics, and community organizations
- Expanding curriculum innovations centered on equity, cultural humility, and accessibility
- Measuring and sharing outcomes to remain accountable and transparent
We invite students, faculty, alumni, and community partners to continue this work with us. Together, we can shape a profession that reflects the diversity of our communities, embraces accessibility as a core value, and advances health equity for all.
Contact
Questions?
Contact Sangeetha Madhavan with any questions about UIC’s Department of Physical Therapy’s efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Contact Sangeetha at:
Email smadhava@uic.edu
Phone 312.355.2517
Address 1919 W. Taylor St.
447 AHSB, (MC 898)
Chicago, IL 60612