To respond effectively to cultural and linguistic differences among persons with lived experience of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, it is important to understand what culture is and what culture is not. Culture influences every aspect of life ̶ our identities as human beings. Culture also influences our perceptions, beliefs, and practices related to a child, adolescent, or adult with IDD. This session will explore the multiple dimensions of culture at the individual, family, community, and system levels and their meaning for supporting persons who experience IDD across the life course and their families. —- Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. ET