This event is hosted by the Bergen Passaic County Unit.
New to a Unit event? NASW-NJ has 12 volunteer-led, county-based Units that hold regional events around the state of New Jersey for members in that area. (However due to the public health emergency, Unit events will be held virtually until further notice!) These events are planned and coordinated by an appointed volunteer Chair and Co-Chair, as well as a Regional Representative from NASW-NJ’s Board of Directors. The Bergen and Passaic Counties Unit Chair is Melissa Donahue, LCSW, CST (melissa@md-counseling.com), and the Northeastern Regional Representative is Sierra Spriggs, LSW (sms2384@columbia.edu)
Unit events are a fun, informative way to grow your network near your home or workplace. These events are one of the many benefits of NASW-NJ membership, but we do invite all mental health professional to join us at this meeting. Learn more about our Units here.
(1.5 CEUs) Employment, Sexuality, & Other Trending Topics in Adulthood for those with Disabilities
Date: Monday, December 14th from 6:30-8:30pm
Zoom login information will be emailed to you once you register.
The objective is to provide an overview of critical issues relevant to adults with disabilities and those that support them. Participants will explore the concept of ableism and how it affects the lives of people with developmental disabilities, with a particular focus on employment and sexuality. Current policy issues and related advocacy movements will be discussed as well as information about how one can support adults with disabilities in ways that affirm and prioritize the personal agency of the individual.
Topics:
•Current “Trending Topics” in Disability Rights
oSocial model vs medical model of disability
oAbleism
oIdentity first & person first language
oChallenging the narrative of inspiration
•Employment
oWhy Employment Matters
oLooking at employment through lens of disability
oChallenging the idea of “special jobs for special people”
oCritical examination of sheltered work
oOverview of how employment supports and options
•Sexuality
oDD sexual bill of rights
oHistory of developmental disability and sexuality
oCurrent state of sexuality and developmental
oConsidering abuse
Objective One: Participants will be able to identify and question ableism in themselves and in the broader society around them.
Objective Two: Participants will be able to articulate the importance of employment for individuals with disabilities in context of disability rights.
Objective Three: Participants will be able to identify personal and/or societal bias and discomfort regarding sexuality and intellectual disability.
NASW-NJ Members will receive 1.5 social and cultural competence CEUs for this presentation.
Presented by: Bethany Chase, LSW
Doctorate in Social Work Candidate, Rutgers University (Cohort 2023)
