Explain the role of a social worker in dealing with disability.

As a
social worker how will you apply the social work & knowledge skills
in dealing with different disability in the Bangladeshi society?
Explain with examples .

According to the social model of disability, social workers should not only focus on the
impairments of their clients but also address the societal barriers that prevent them
from achieving their goals. These barriers can be both physical and mental. The social
model places more emphasis on the necessity of removing barriers and fostering
inclusion than the medical model, which focuses on personal limitations. Social
workers should strive to empower people with disabilities by standing up for their
rights, questioning social norms, and encouraging self-reliance. By doing this, they
contribute to the development of a more accepting society in which individuals with
disabilities are acknowledged as equal members of society with full rights and
opportunities.

Key Roles of a Social Worker

1. Advocate for Rights and Equality:

Social workers play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of disabled
individuals by pushing for policy and legislative changes that promote equality
and access to essential services. This includes lobbying for laws that ensure
disabled individuals have access to education, employment and public
services. Additionally, social workers must challenge discriminatory practices in
institutions, workplaces and communities which hinder disabled people from
living independent and fulfilling lives.

Example: A social worker might work with local governments to ensure

buildings are accessible, and that transportation systems accommodate people
with mobility impairments.

2. Promote the Social Model of Disability:

The social model of disability shifts the focus from individual impairments to the
societal barriers that limit participation, such as physical obstacles like lack of
ramps or attitudinal barriers like prejudice. Social workers should promote a
change in how disability is perceived, moving away from viewing disabled
individuals as objects of pity and instead recognizing them as people with rights
and capabilities.

Example: In the case of a person with a disability being excluded from a

community event, the social worker would address the reasons for exclusion
rather than focusing on the person's impairment.
3. Empowerment of Disabled Individuals:

Social workers should prioritize empowering disabled individuals, helping them

take control of their own lives by supporting their decision-making and providing
the necessary resources and skills for independent living. Empowerment also
means creating access to opportunities in education, employment and social
participation, enabling disabled individuals to lead fulfilling and self-directed
lives.

Example: A social worker might help a disabled person access vocational

training, assistive technology or housing support, enabling them to live more
independently.

4. Challenging Social and Structural Barriers:

The main obstacles faced by disabled individuals are social and structural
barriers that limit their participation in daily life. Social workers should focus on
removing these barriers by raising awareness and advocating for inclusive
policies. This requires collaboration with communities, organizations and
policymakers to address issues like inaccessible transportation, lack of sign
language interpreters and exclusion from education and employment
opportunities.

Example: A social worker could work with an employer to modify workplace

practices and physical spaces so that a person with a disability can work
effectively and comfortably.

5. Supporting Disabled People and Their Families:

In addition to advocating for societal change, social workers offer direct

emotional support to disabled individuals and their families. They assist families
in navigating the challenges of disability by providing counseling and
connecting them with support networks and services. Social workers also assist
in creating individualized care plans that are based on the needs and
preferences of disabled individuals, rather than imposing standardized or
medicalized solutions.

Example: A social worker may assist a family whose child has a learning
disability by connecting them with educational resources, counseling services,
and peer support groups.

6. Promoting Social Inclusion:

A central goal of social work with disabled people is to promote social inclusion,
ensuring their full integration into society. This involves creating opportunities
for disabled individuals to participate in community activities, work, and
education, while also addressing and challenging societal attitudes that
stigmatize or marginalize them.
Example: A social worker may organize a community campaign to raise
awareness about disability rights and the contributions of disabled individuals,
helping to challenge stigma and promote inclusivity.

Application of Social Work Knowledge & Skills in Bangladesh

As a social worker in Bangladeshi society, applying social work knowledge and skills
to address various disabilities involves a multifaceted approach. Here are several
strategies, along with practical examples, to illustrate how I would implement these
skills effectively:

1. Advocacy for Policy Change:

Social workers can advocate for policies that enhance the rights and opportunities of
disabled individuals. In Bangladesh, there are often gaps in legislation related to
disability rights and accessibility.

Example: A social worker could work with advocacy groups to push for the
implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Rights and Protection Act,
ensuring that it is enforced effectively. This could involve organizing campaigns to
raise awareness about the rights of disabled individuals, lobbying local government to
allocate funds for accessible infrastructure, and ensuring that public services comply
with the law.

2. Community Awareness and Education:

Promoting awareness about disability issues is crucial to changing societal attitudes.

Many people in Bangladesh hold stigmatized views towards disabilities, often leading
to exclusion and marginalization.

Example: A social worker might organize workshops and community programs to

educate the public about different disabilities and the capabilities of disabled
individuals. This could involve partnering with local schools to develop inclusive
educational programs that teach children about empathy and inclusion, reducing
stigma from a young age.

3. Supporting Access to Education:

Education is a significant barrier for many disabled individuals in Bangladesh,
particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce. Social workers can facilitate
access to education by working with schools to create inclusive environments.

Example: A social worker could collaborate with schools to implement inclusive

teaching practices, such as training teachers on how to support students with learning
disabilities or physical impairments. They could also assist in creating individualized
education plans (IEPs) for students who need additional support.

4. Empowering Disabled Individuals and Their Families:

Empowerment is a key aspect of social work. Social workers should focus on providing
disabled individuals and their families with the skills and resources they need to thrive.

Example: A social worker could develop training programs for families of children with
disabilities, helping them understand how to provide appropriate support and care.
This could include workshops on navigating healthcare systems, applying for
government benefits, and accessing community resources.

5. Facilitating Employment Opportunities:

Unemployment is a significant challenge for many disabled individuals in Bangladesh.

Social workers can help create pathways to employment by working with businesses
and organizations to promote inclusive hiring practices.

Example: A social worker might partner with local businesses to create internships or
job training programs specifically for disabled individuals, ensuring that workplaces
are accommodating and accessible. They could also facilitate workshops that help
disabled individuals develop job skills, such as resume writing and interview
preparation.

6. Building Support Networks:

Social support is essential for disabled individuals and their families. Social workers
can help create and strengthen support networks.

Example: A social worker could establish support groups for parents of children with
disabilities, providing a platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions.
These groups could also serve as a resource for accessing information about available
services and support.

7. Addressing Healthcare Access:

Access to healthcare is often limited for disabled individuals in Bangladesh. Social

workers can work to improve access to medical services.

Example: A social worker might collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure they
are trained to meet the specific needs of disabled patients. This could involve
organizing training sessions on disability awareness for medical professionals and
advocating for accessible healthcare facilities.

By employing these strategies, social workers can effectively address the challenges
faced by disabled individuals in Bangladeshi society. Through advocacy, education,
empowerment and collaboration, social workers can help foster a more inclusive
environment where disabled individuals are recognized and supported as equal
members of society.