25.9.12
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Moving from Disability-Inclusion Focus Toward Disability-Affirming Practice

Regina Schaefer

In this webinar on social work practice with the disability communities, we explore the difference between a focus on access and inclusion alone and the newer framework disability-affirming practice emerging from disability culture. As context for this work, we will examine four topic areas. First, we will review the social construction of disability and impairment with a review of the medical and social models of disability as well as the personal tragedy theory of disability. Second, we will review the literature on the importance of positive disability identity development and its connection to disability culture. Third, to build our disability lenses, we will learn about the mechanisms of disability oppression (i.e. ableism and sanism) and the response of the disability communities in the form of various resistance movements. Fourth, we will review of various key topics in current U.S. disability culture that are relevant to social work practice. In order to translate this material into practice, we will consider the guiding principles of disability-affirming social work practice along with steps social workers can take to implement this framework. A short case will be presented for discussion. Participants will also have a chance to explore their own able-bodied privilege as part of an interactive activity.

Skills / Knowledge

  • Social Work
  • disability

Issued on

May 17, 2024

Expires on

Does not expire