National Association of Social Workers’ Post

Help shape the future of disability advocacy and access in Minnesota! How can more people with disabilities live, work, and learn in community, with non-disabled people? What supports are needed to create more choices? How can the state support community inclusion? Make your voice heard: inform decision-makers how Minnesotans with disabilities can live the life they want. Learn more and take this survey to help shape and update Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan: https://lnkd.in/eggb-i36

Working in mental health, we don’t spend enough time learning about the history of our field. It always shocks me to remember that the legal precedent which granted people with mental health disabilities the human right to community participation was only established 25 years ago! There are leaders still working in our field today who played a critical role in this monumental advocacy, and who remember a time when most people with mental illness were institutionalized. Yet, we continue to institutionalize folks with mental illness in restrictive and carceral settings today. In Pennsylvania alone, there are about 1100 children in youth prisons. Some data estimates that as many as 65% of people in prisons or jails have a mental health condition. While the landmark Olmsted decision sought justice for people with mental illness to participate in their communities, we have entirely failed to build community-based mental health systems that support de-institutionalization. And, of course, this systemic failure disproportionately impacts minoritized communities. We must honor our history to forge a path forward. The fight for mental health justice must continue. None of us are free until all of us are free.

Algorithmic decision-making (ADM) poses urgent concerns regarding the rights and entitlements of people with disability from all walks of life. A new publication from ADM+S Associate Investigator Dr Georgia van Toorn explores how people with disability are engaging in ‘algoactivism’ to collectively respond to the threats posed by algorithmic, data-driven systems - specifically their public sector applications. ‘United against algorithms: a primer on disability-led struggles against algorithmic injustice’ now on APO ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g5p-yguT In partnership with Data Justice Lab.

Stories build community and connect us (even if we can’t be physically together). The best sharing activities are those where people feel encouraged and at ease. For the older adults month, here are some ideas to get started: - Arrange for older adults to share or read stories. - Call to see if a local school would like to host a “Senior Day” where older adults speak to students or contact libraries about older adults reading to young children. - Arrange for children to interview older adults in the community and write short biographies. Sample questions - What was the happiest moment of your life? The saddest? - Who has been the most significant influence on your life? What lessons did you learn? - How has your life been different from what you’d imagined? - What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? - What are you proudest of in your life? Why - Who has had the most significant influence on your life, and how? - Who are your best friends? What are they like? - Can you tell a story about any cultural traditions observed by your family and help us understand why they are essential? Have fun! Happy Older Adults Month. Source: Administration for Community Living. ACL.gov

My article, "Inclusion of People With Disabilities in Community Health Needs Assessments in Florida, United States," has officially been published in Health Promotion Practice! I want to thank Tyler G. James, PhD, MCHES for his invaluable guidance and expertise throughout this research journey. https://lnkd.in/eeq68P58

As Black disabled people, sometimes the disability part of our identity is minimized. Of course, at some point there needs to be a conversation with the rest of our larger community about the fact that our value is the same as everyone else’s. In the meantime, we have each other. - Tinu Abayomi Paul What are your needs and the needs of your people? How can you strengthen trust and transparency within your mutual aid network? Learn more about how mutual aid saves lives in the Disaster Justice Guidebook for People of Color with Disabilities. Download for free at www.justiceshorter.com.

📰 Fresh off the presses. This insightful New York Post article tackles the profound issues facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, provider agencies, and staff, highlighting how Governor Hochul has not adequately addressed them. Learn more here https://lnkd.in/e224T_Ss

NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAY HISTORY In 1986, Congress designated May 7, 1986, as National Barrier Awareness Day by a House Joint Resolution (544). It authorized the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the day. On May 7, 1986, President Ronald Reagan issued proclamation 5472 and called for Americans to recognize the day with events and programs that would contribute to removing the obstacles facing those with disabilities. #BarrierAwarenessDay.

Explore the significant challenges within Wisconsin's juvenile justice system and its impact on youth of color and those with disabilities. Understand the pressing need for systemic reforms to address the disparities highlighted by recent data. This blog post comprehensively analyzes the "school-to-prison pipeline" and offers insights into necessary interventions for better outcomes. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gRmBc9Zs #CohenLawOffices #EauClaire #OWI #WisconsinOWIDefense #OWIDefense #DrunkDrivingDefense #WisconsinCriminalDefense #WisconsinFelonyDefense

Our 2024 public policy agenda is here! Each year, we develop a public policy agenda that outlines our priorities. These are the topics we plan to discuss with legislators this year: 1) Students with disabilities of all ages receive a quality education with the supports they need to learn and thrive. 2) Iowans with disabilities are employed and working toward financial independence. 3) Iowans with disabilities live independently in their community by getting the support they need. 4) Affirm the right to vote for people with disabilities by ensuring their access to participation. Browse our full public policy agenda to learn more about Iowans who have been impacted by these issues, and actions we will encourage legislators to take in order to reach these goals. https://lnkd.in/eMVEefKx