Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Training

This self-paced, interactive training program supports organizations in creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace. Create community leaders and drive regional efforts to attract diverse talent, strengthen the workforce, create welcoming workspaces, and increase population. This program is designed to help small and medium businesses contribute to enhancing the economy while developing their organization.
LICENSE NOWProgram Includes:
- 1-Year Access
- Self-Paced, Virtual Training
- Video Lessons
- Assessment Guides
- Try-it-Yourself Handouts
- Implementation Templates
- Application Checklists
- Integration Diary
- Completion Certificate
and more!
Who is this program for?
The IDEA Leadership Academy program is curated to support small to medium businesses (yes, large businesses can use it too!).
The licensing of this program is designed for distribution by economic development organizations, regional development agencies, chambers of commerce, and business incubators. The program supports economic growth, and recruitment, retention, and growth of diverse talent.
Empower local businesses to create inclusive, welcoming, and equitable workplaces. This program not only benefits businesses by improving employee engagement and retention but also strengthens the regional economy by ensuring businesses are competitive, diverse, and sustainable in the long term.
GET YOUR SEATS

Ignite Growth and Inclusion in Your Region
The IDEA Leadership Academy program equips small and medium-sized businesses in your region with the essential knowledge and tools to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive workforce. Offering this program as a resource for economic development in your region can drive long-term success for businesses by fostering an environment where diverse talent is not only attracted but retained. The program supports businesses in building a workplace culture that embraces inclusion, equity, diversity, and accessibility (IDEA), improving employee engagement, reducing turnover, and enhancing overall organizational growth. By investing in this program, you can strengthen your local economy by empowering businesses to compete in today’s diverse global market while fostering a culture of inclusivity.
eLearning: Growth Blocks
This three-part eLearning program equips organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to build, attract, onboard, and sustain a diverse and inclusive workforce. This program aims to support learners as they develop and nurture an inclusive organizational culture that values and supports diversity, ensuring long-term success and employee engagement.

Part 1: Building Spaces for Diversity
Learn the importance of IDEA, initial steps for creating an inclusive workplace, effective policy development, and fostering safe spaces for conversations on diversity and inclusion.
- The "Why" of IDEA & Where to Start
- IDEA Policies and Procedures 101
- Safe Spaces & Tough Conversations

Part 2: Attracting and Onboarding Diverse Talent
Develop strategies for recruiting and onboarding diverse talent, understanding culture fit vs flex, and address imposter syndrome to create an inclusive onboarding experience.
- Recruiting Diverse Talent & Onboarding Talent
- Culture Fit vs. Culture Flex
- Imposter Syndrome

Part 3: Sustaining Diversity in the Workplace
Enhance cultural competency, improve communication, develop emotional intelligence, meet diverse needs, and lead effectively for an inclusive workplace.
- Cultural Competency
- Workplace Communication & Emotional Intelligence
- Meeting Needs & Leading Diverse Populations
Engagement Tiers | Empower Your Region
Choose the perfect licensing tier for your organization and help local businesses build and sustain a diverse, inclusive workforce. Our tiered licensing options make it easy to offer the IDEA Leadership Academy program to businesses of all sizes in your region. Each license grants a unique user access with an individualized login, ensuring personalized learning for each participant. Strengthen your region’s economy and enhance business success with our tailored licensing options.
How does it work?
Once a licensing plan is purchased, your organization will receive access codes that you can distribute to businesses in your community. Plans are designed based on our recommendation for users:population and our recommendation of having a minimum of two learners per business. Having multiple learners allows for sustainable implementation of programming. You are not required to purchase a licensing plan based on the above recommendations and can distribute the licenses to businesses at your discretion.

Meet Your Learning Guide
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Janelle Abela
I am a former K-12 educator and found value in nurturing identity for student success. I have since expanded my approaches by founding Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc. Our organization supports inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) learning across North America. I have worked with financial organizations, law enforcement, professional athletics associations, educational institutions, non-profits, trades organizations, and more, during my time as a consultant. It is imperative that a realistic means of change is created outside of the progressive education system and that guides the work that I do. In this training I endeavour to nurture relationships and foster change for the respect and dignity of all. I hold a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Education degrees, while currently pursuing my PhD at the University of Windsor. I am currently researching barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion professional development.
