PM Breakouts – 60 minutes

Presenter Pronouns: she/ella

OVERVIEW
Most of us would be thrilled to never encounter the words “Covid,” “pandemic,” or “unprecedented” ever again. However, as much as our exhaustion can make “getting back to normal” seem like a relief, we have an ethical responsibility to consider how reverting to pre-pandemic practices may harm vulnerable colleagues and clients. Colleagues may be experiencing significant reductions in career opportunities and peer support, and clients may be losing access to services altogether. Meanwhile, years of comments implying disabled bodies are expendable have taken a toll. What can we, as a justice-minded social work community, do to ensure that we are practicing our values?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
As a result of attending this presentation, participants will:

1. Identify ways that pushes for “back to normal” create systemic, exclusionary barriers for colleagues and clients with chronic health concerns or similar disabilities;

2. Attend to community wellbeing by recognizing the socioemotional impacts of pandemic-related ableism, including within our own profession and related health professions; and

3. Advocate for policies and practices along the macro-micro spectrum that better reflect social work values.

TARGET AUDIENCE
Social workers in all areas can benefit from this presentation, as it will consider issues along the macro-micro spectrum, from intra-professional considerations to direct practice.