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Paper Presentation

Disability Issues

Session: Disability and Policy Reform: Overcoming Barriers in Disability Justice

Involuntary Student Leaves of Absence (LOAs): Implications for Disability Justice in Social Work Education

This presentation examines involuntary leaves of absence (LOAs) due to disability discrimination. Qualitative study findings highlight systemic policy inequities, inadequate support, and severe academic and emotional consequences. Legal and ethical concerns are discussed within the context of EPAS 3.0 and its role in advancing disability justice in social work education.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
  1. Upon completion, Participants will be able to analyze the impact of involuntary leaves of absence (LOAs) on students with disabilities by identifying systemic inequities in policies and evaluating their consequences on students' academic, social, financial, and mental health outcomes.
  2. Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate social work education’s role in addressing disability justice by assessing how curriculum, teaching strategies, and legal protections (e.g., ADA) support students with disabilities and promote an inclusive learning environment.
  3. Upon completion, participants will be able to create recommendations for social work educators to advocate for policy reforms that eliminate discriminatory exclusion and prioritize student-centered approaches, including universal design principles and individualized accommodations, to better support students with disabilities.