Strengthening Social Work Education: Incorporating Affirming I/DD Content into the Curriculum

Presenter(s)

Kimberly A. schlegel, MSW, LCSWA (she/her/hers)

I/DD Task Force Coordinator
UNC Chapel Hill, School of Social Work
Andrea Murray-Lichtman, PhD, MSW, LCSW

Associate Dean of MSW Education Clinical Professor
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

This presentation, grounded in disability justice, emphasizes the importance of integrating Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) content into social work curricula. It discusses the need for specialized training, provides strategies for curriculum enhancement, and highlights the benefits of preparing social workers to support individuals with I/DD in inclusive, affirming ways.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

Utilize Disability Justice principles such as intersectionality and collective liberation to understand the significance of I/DD content in the context of social work education and practice.
Identify three key strategies for integrating I/DD-related knowledge, skills, and perspectives into existing curricula.
Understand the benefits of fostering cultural humility and advocacy through I/DD-focused education.