AVMA spotlights universal design in Journey for Teams 3.0

Version 1

AVMA is previewing a new Journey for Teams 3.0 “THRIVE Sessions” module focused on universal design, featuring disability inclusion and accessibility expert Dr. Rosemarie Rossetti. The new module, “Championing Universal Design,” is part of the latest phase of Journey for Teams, which AVMA describes as a workplace-culture initiative aimed at strengthening belonging, engagement, retention, and team performance in veterinary settings. On the THRIVE Sessions site, AVMA says the module addresses unintentional barriers that can affect team members with visible, non-visible, temporary, or chronic conditions, including barriers embedded in routines, communication, workflow, and physical environments. (journeyforteams.org)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, this signals a broader shift from talking about inclusion in abstract terms to redesigning day-to-day systems so people can participate without having to disclose a disability or ask for exceptions. That’s especially relevant in clinics and hospitals where workflow, space constraints, communication norms, and digital tools can all create friction for team members, clients, and pet parents. AVMA’s earlier Journey for Teams materials have already framed accessibility as both a legal and operational issue, and related AVMA coverage has noted that accessible veterinary spaces matter for millions of people with disabilities seeking care for their animals. (journeyforteams.org)

What to watch: Watch for how widely practices adopt the THRIVE Sessions, whether AVMA adds more implementation tools, and whether universal design principles start showing up more explicitly in clinic design, onboarding, websites, and team workflows. (journeyforteams.org)