Disabled Student and Professional Priorities for the Social Work Profession: A Preliminary Community Survey

This study was conducted in May and June of 2024 and stands as the first Community Survey of the U.S.-based Disability and Well-Being in Social Work (DWSW) community project. Results build on previous literature highlighting lack of inclusion, awareness, and cultural humility related to disability across three dimensions–social work education, employment, and associations. Further, the stated current priorities and future initiative recommendations from respondents revealed significant desire for broader and deeper education on disability topics and ableism, improved accessibility and more flexible and supportive policies/practices, and increased opportunities for mentorship, representation and disability-related projects and groups. Finally, disability-affirming social work practices are identified and explored and applications to future social work practice are discussed.