Running Head Social Change Projects1social Change Project2s ✓ Solved

Clinical social work entails the overall health care services in a healthcare facility. This involves diagnosis, treatment, mental illness prevention, and different types of therapies. Social workers that render these services are required to abide by the policies governing their practice to provide high-quality healthcare. These policies also protect the lives of the public. I am interested in advocating for the disabled because they are a group that is subconsciously ignored due to the nature of their condition.

It’s also because there is not enough information to the public about their conditions. Most of the time, disabled people are ignored by society, starved of services, live in self-isolation, segregation, poverty, and even pity. As a result of discrimination, they opt not to go to public places and are not free to fight for their rights that non-disabled individuals get. Disabled people face these entire social problems due to the legislation's failure to protect their rights, ignorance from society, and lack of awareness among others (Kritsotakis et al., 2017). Mainstreaming and universal access for all people with disability will help solve these problems.

This means that barriers are preventing them from accessing services should be removed to allow equal accessibility. Society should be educated on matters concerning disabled people to create awareness, hence reduce the cases of discrimination. It should be part of the policy of clinical social workers to ensure that disabled people have homes and a workforce that facilitate their daily activities. For instance, providing them with workers who will help them feed, shop, or attend medical appointments. They should also create awareness to reduce discrimination (Werner & Araten-Bergman, 2017).

The government should also create a policy that ensures every entity or social amenities consider disabled people in all their business and social plans. For instance, when building new structures, their strategy should consider people with disabilities. The project will ensure that people with disabilities receive proper care without discrimination, as well as highlight the hidden or unspoken problems concerning their entire social lives. This eye-opening project might also promote change in the government enforcement of laws concerning disabilities or even encourage the creation of new legislation.

Paper For Above Instructions

Advocacy for disabled individuals is a critical social issue demanding urgent attention. The marginalized status of disabled people is not merely a consequence of societal attitudes but a systemic issue rooted in inadequate policies and societal structures that fail to accommodate their needs. In my advocacy project, I aim to raise awareness and bring about social change by challenging societal norms and implementing policies that ensure the rights and accessibility for people with disabilities.

One of the primary issues affecting disabled individuals is the lack of public understanding and awareness regarding their rights and capabilities. Many people regard disabilities through a narrow lens, focusing primarily on the limitations rather than the potential contributions of individuals with disabilities. Increasing public education about disabilities is essential to combat stigma and discrimination. Campaigns aimed at raising awareness should incorporate various media outlets, including social media platforms, community centers, and educational institutions, to disseminate information effectively.

Policy reform focused on inclusivity is another critical area of my advocacy. It is imperative for governmental agencies and societal institutions to implement policies ensuring that disabled individuals receive appropriate services without obstruction. This involves not only physical accessibility but also access to resources that enable them to lead fulfilling lives. Implementing universal design principles in urban planning and creating regulations that mandate inclusivity in public services can facilitate greater engagement of disabled individuals in societal activities.

Moreover, my advocacy project emphasizes the importance of community involvement in supporting individuals with disabilities. Creating a network of advocates, volunteers, and service providers can empower disabled individuals by providing necessary support and resources. Community service initiatives that offer assistance, such as job training programs or social integration activities, can be a lifeline for disabled individuals seeking to participate in society fully.

Engagement with policymakers is also an essential component of advocacy. By presenting data and research highlighting the disparities faced by disabled individuals, advocates can influence policy changes that directly impact their lives. It is crucial to leverage personal testimonies and quantitatively backed studies to convey the importance of these changes on a legislative level (Jansson, 2018). Additionally, collaboration with organizations dedicated to disability rights can amplify advocacy efforts, ensuring a more robust push for necessary changes.

The Petrakis family's scenario illustrates the interconnectedness of various social issues, such as unemployment and elder care, which often have a significant impact on the quality of life for disabled individuals. The case emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions that address not only the immediate issues faced by individuals but also the underlying causes of their circumstances. For example, job placement initiatives aimed at disabled individuals can not only alleviate poverty but can also contribute positively to their self-esteem and societal contribution (Laureate Education, 2013).

Addressing these multifaceted issues is crucial to ensure that disabled individuals do not feel isolated or marginalized within their communities. By implementing comprehensive strategies that promote inclusivity, health care accessibility, and employment opportunities, we can work towards creating a more equitable society.

In conclusion, advocating for disabled individuals involves challenging societal norms and implementing policies that promote their rights and integration into communities. By focusing on awareness, policy reforms, community involvement, and policymakers' engagement, my advocacy project aims to bring about meaningful social change that empowers disabled individuals and fosters an inclusive society. As a society, we stand to gain significantly by recognizing and supporting the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities.

References

• Kritsotakis, G., Galanis, P., Papastefanakis, E., Meidani, F., Philalithis, A. E., Kalokairinou, A., & Sourtzi, P. (2017). Attitudes towards people with physical or intellectual disabilities among nursing, social work and medical students. Journal of Clinical Nursing.
• Werner, S., & Araten-Bergman, T. (2017). Social workers’ stigmatic perceptions of individuals with disabilities: A focus on three disabilities. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(2), 93-107.
• Laureate Education. (Producer). (2013). Petrakis (Episode 6 of 42) [Video file]. In Sessions.
• Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.