Moving from Disability-Inclusion Focus Toward Disability-Affirming Practice

Overview

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.

CEs: 2

Learning Objectives

1. To explicate practice focused on disability access and inclusion from disability-affirming practice.
2. To demonstrate an understanding of the social construction of disability in the US context.
3. To raise awareness of the basics of disability oppression and related resistance movements.
4. To describe key topics in disability culture relevant to social work practice.
5. To identify steps to take in disability-affirming social work practice.
6. To explore able-bodied privilege.

About the Speaker

Elspeth Slayter

Elspeth Slayter, MSW, MA, PhD is a professor of social work at Salem State University who identifies as disabled. Dr. Slayter has practiced for over 25 years as a forensic social worker in child welfare, public criminal defense, juvenile justice, and education settings, specializing in practice with the disability communities. Her equity-focused research and consulting centers around disability, race, ethnicity in the addiction and child welfare service sectors. She coordinates a Certificate Program in Equity-Minded Practice, a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and Salem State University School of Social Work. She is a co-founder of #SWEduActs, a group of social work educators dedicated to anti-racist practice. Additionally, she is the founder and facilitator of the Disability Justice Consulting Consortium.

Tuition

• $ 75 – Regular
• $ 55 – Alumni, FI, Adjunct
• $ 35- VETS
• Current Students: FREE

Credentialing Information

Adelphi University School of Social Work is an approved provider for continuing education credits for the following professions:

• Social Workers (NYSED and ASWB-ACE)
• LMHC
• LMFT
• CASAC Renewal
• Psychology (APA and NYSED)
• LCAT

Successful completion for the award of approved continuing education credits requires attendance at the entire training/workshop and submission of a completed evaluation form.

See full credentialing information and CE

New York State Office of the Professions (NYSED) regulations require that participants must be present for the entire approved educational activity in order to receive a certificate for continuing education hours. There is no accommodation in the State regulations for late arrival, late return from lunch or breaks, or early departure. According to NYSED, in order to award social work CEs; “When you offer a multi-day or multi-part course/educational activity, the learner must complete all parts in order to earn the certificate for contact hours, in the same way that a student must complete a semester-long course to receive college credit. You may not award partial credit for a program, even a one-day program, if the learner does not complete all requirements at that time.”

Cancellation Policy

Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations made seven working days or fewer before the event for any reason—or for no-shows.

We can provide credit towards a future workshop up to 24 hours before the event. After that, no credit will be issued.

Accessibility Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Adelphi University require that all events be accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the event host identified on the event webpage; please allow for a reasonable time frame. The event host, when necessary, will collaborate with the Student Access Office.