Historically, those that work with the physically challenged have been well meaning staff persons that are invested in the system and/or their client but are generally sorely undereducated. Both professionals and non professionals in this field tend to be recognized as simply "do gooders". IUPUI Indianapolis has created new and innovative programming that hopes to change this perception. They have recently announced a changing curriculum that will include courses and certificates in special needs individuals and their families.
Programs that focus on individuals with disabilities and their families have been scarce. At best, schools of psychology and social work have offered recognition of this service line but not continued programming, certainly contributing to the lack of current professionals working in this field. The IUPUI School of Social Work has developed a program that not only centers on the disabled population but their families as well. The program was designed to encompass students with a variety of abilities. Attracting students with disabilities can only serve to heighten awareness of their classmates without disabilities. Another unique aspect of this program is that it was designed to not only welcome students of social work but also psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and kinesiology. Enhancing skills in connecting individuals to additional resources in order to enhance personal independence is another element of this program.
Many communities strongly discourage independent living arrangements for individuals with disabilities. One component of the innovative IUPUI program is that students have the opportunity to advocate for policy changes that will educate communities about this population. Hopefully, this will be a start in dispelling stereotypes and discrimination. Dean Patchner of the IUPUI School of Social Work has commented that, "There is a lot of education and advocacy to do. There are many skills involved, from leading small groups to working with families to advocacy. This program is designed to train students with all those skills."
This type of programming is what is needed to bring about a systems change in this field and it is a nice fit with the core values of Bridges of Indiana such as advocacy, respect and dignity and quality staff. Bridges of Indiana is also committed to hiring educated individuals equipped with the skills needed to succeed in this challenging service line. Please contact your local Bridges of Indiana office for more information.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Nelson, MSW
Behavior Clinician
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