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Connect Session (Commissions and Councils ONLY)

Examining Social Work Licensure & Disability Justice: Systemic Disparities for Marginalized Communities

This session explores social work licensure’s systemic barriers and disproportionate impact on historically marginalized and disabled communities. We highlight the intersection of disability justice, racism, and age-based disparities, examine alternative pathways to licensure, and discuss strategies to dismantle inequitable structures while enhancing culturally responsive and inclusive social work practice.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
  1. Examine how standardized licensure exams disproportionately impact individuals with disabilities, older adults, and BIPOC social workers, highlighting systemic inequities.
  2. Identify alternative, disability justice–informed pathways to social work licensure that emphasize competence, universal design, and authentic assessment.
  3. Formulate strategies to advocate for equitable, culturally responsive licensure frameworks at institutional, legislative, and policy levels.