Advocating for NASW to Create a National Committee on Disability
See the Letter of Support, initiative history and resources below.
Latest Update (Oct 15, 2023)
PROPOSAL STATUS: ON HOLD UNTIL 2025
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The proposal decision is still in progress and has been delayed due to an overall governance review.
NASW has stated the governance review will be completed in January 2025, after which a report will be presented to the Board.
It is assumed that following that report, a decision will be made regarding the proposal to establish an NASW National Committee on Disability.
Letter of Support Summary Slideshow
The intent of the Letter of Support is to illustrate the need for NASW to create a National Committee on Disability to support the equitable participation of disabled social workers in the profession, advocate for disability related issues, advance disability inclusion and promote overall well-being.
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Click through the slides to see a short summary of the full Letter of Support information.
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Title Slide. In Support of Creating a National Committee on Disability. The creation of this NASW National Committee would support the equitable participation of disabled social workers in the profession and advance disability inclusion.
Demographics. 1 in 4 61 million U.S. adults report having at least one disability. The unemployment rate is twice as high for disabled people. Disability is intersectional. 19.4% of undergrad & 11.9% of graduate students report having at least one disability.
Recommendations. Inclusion of disability and well-being perspectives in NASW policies and programs. Monitoring legislative, policy and data changes, with regard to disabled people. Promoting knowledge, theory and practice related to disability and well-being, especially in social work education, employment and the overall profession. Monitoring legislative, policy and data changes, with regard to disabled people. Identifying ways to eliminate ableist social work practices and policies
Title Slide. In Support of Creating a National Committee on Disability. The creation of this NASW National Committee would support the equitable participation of disabled social workers in the profession and advance disability inclusion.
If you're interested in being more involved in this campaign,
please send a message using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
History
October 2023
Proposal Status: On Hold
PROPOSAL STATUS: ON HOLD UNTIL 2025
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The proposal decision is still in progress and has been delayed due to an overall governance review.
NASW has stated the governance review will be completed in January 2025, after which a report will be presented to the Board.
It is assumed that following that report, a decision will be made regarding the proposal to establish an NASW National Committee on Disability.
September 2023
Additional Support Communicated
An email was sent to the NASW President, CEO and DEI staff on September 15, 2023 which reiterated support and provided over 80 signatures and additional comments.
Additionally, on September 1, 2023 DWSW submitted a proposed bylaws amendment which provides another formal avenue for this effort and is asks to amend the NASW bylaws to include the National Committee on Disability as a bylaws mandated committee as the other 3 diversity related committees are (even though the original proposal hasn't been approved yet). This process is long but according to the NASW website (link), this should be being discussed during September/October.
August 2023
Decision Delayed
The proposal decision is still in progress and has been delayed due to an overall governance review. The next NASW Board Meeting is September 29-30, 2023.
June 2023
Proposal Presented
A proposal based on the Letter of Support will be presented at the June 30th NASW Board meeting for potential July implementation.
May 2023
Email to NASW & Response
On May 14th, 2023, the Letter of Support was was emailed to NASW President Joyner.
On May 16th, 2023, a supportive response was received from NASW.
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At the April 27-29 NASW Board Meeting, President Joyner recommended that the Board consider the creation of 4 "new committees, structures, or task forces for possible implementation in July based on recommendations from a study group", including Disability as one of the 4 potential committees.
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Dr. Perez (Vice President of DEI at NASW) was copied on the email from President Joyner (along with other Board and Staff) and added that the proposal will be presented at the June NASW Board meeting for potential implementation in July.
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NASW's DEI team have a study group in progress and a proposal will be presented at the June NASW Board meeting. The study group will reach out to discuss meeting / next steps that interested members can assist with as they prepare their presentation.
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On May 23, 2023, a meeting with NASW's DEI team took place virtually to discuss next steps for the proposal.
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Our group's proposal will be presented at the NASW Board meeting at the end of June. We have until mid-June to make adjustments to the proposal.
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A survey was created based on 3 priorities,
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to inform the title of the Committee,
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to gather feedback on additions or adjustments to the proposal and
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to identify future interest in Committee participation.
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Please share your thoughts via this 5 question survey: SURVEY CLOSED
April 2023
Campaign/Letter Launched
In April 2023, a Letter Of Support was created to organize support for the creation of the new NASW Committee on Disability.
The Disability & Well-Being In Social Work website and group was launched.
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March 2023
Initial Email Request
At the end of March 2023, an NASW member emailed the association President requesting a new committee focused on disability inclusion and encouraged others to email their support.
Resources For Sharing
Download for sharing via email, social media or anywhere.
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Add Your Support Image 2
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Action at a national scale is needed from NASW to advance disability inclusion in the social work profession due to barriers in education, employment and professional associations. The Letter of Support illustrates the need for NASW to create a National Committee on Disability to support the equitable participation of disabled social workers in the profession, advocate for disability related issues, advance disability inclusion and promote well-being. The letter covers topics like:
1. In Education. Barriers in internships Lack of disability inclusion in social work programs Lack of universal design principles as a priority in social work programs 2. In Employment. Barriers in employment Lack of disability & accessibility knowledge in workplaces Social worker burnout 3. In Professional Associations. Lack of data Barriers in licensure Lack of representation 4. More. Examples of existing models in other professional associations & NASW Chapter groups + Recommendations
Examples of existing models in other professional associations and NASW Chapter groups Recommendations for Committee goals and projects
Action at a national scale is needed from NASW to advance disability inclusion in the social work profession due to barriers in education, employment and professional associations. The Letter of Support illustrates the need for NASW to create a National Committee on Disability to support the equitable participation of disabled social workers in the profession, advocate for disability related issues, advance disability inclusion and promote well-being. The letter covers topics like:
Social Media Series
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