Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Family Voices

Illustration of an archery target and checklist next to each other.

Targeted Universalism

Targeted universalism means setting universal goals and using targeted processes to reach those goals.

View/Download PDF

What is targeted universalism?

The concept of targeted universalism shows how focusing an intervention on people who are most affected has a positive impact on the broader community.

For example, curb cuts or ramps were mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to ensure accessibility for people in wheelchairs. That change in our shared environment, targeted to improving access for people unable to walk, improved access for many others – caregivers pushing strollers, delivery people, cyclists, and travelers with rolling luggage.

What is our history with targeted universalism?

Family Voices has the universal goal that “all children should have access to quality health care.” To meet that goal, Family Voices promotes family-centered care for CYSHCN. This targeted approach has resulted in the evolution of family-centered care to benefit all children.

How do we approach our work through targeted universalism?

Seek funding that targets specific groups in order to address disparities within the CYSHCN community.

Target funding from projects to F2Fs that serve populations that are heavily impacted by disparities.

Board of Directors (BOD) and staff secure funding and partnerships that help to address the disparities experienced by CYSHCN from Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous/Native American communities.

Explore more of our DEIB framework

A drawing of a person holding their hand under the chin indicating a state of thought or reflection.

Implicit Biases and Debiasing

Illustration of an individual sitting in a wheelchair reviewing plans and documents related to the design of spaces and objects.

Universal Design

Illustration of an individual standing in front of a presentation on a projector screen while two colleagues sit at a table in the audience.

Building an architecture of participation

A diagram with three circles intersecting indicating the points of intersection between the three circles.

Intersectionality

Complete your gift to help keep families at the center of children’s health care

I'm ready
Not today

Our Vision

With families at the center of health care, all children and youth reach their full potential and health disparities are eliminated.

Our Mission

Family Voices is a national organization and grassroots network of families and friends of children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities that promotes partnership with families—including those of cultural, linguistic and geographic diversity—in order to improve health care services and policies for children.

In honor of