Problem:
The Voices of Diversity video offered powerful insight into how individuals with disabilities experience the world, particularly how well-intended social norms can unintentionally cause harm. Growing up, I was told not to stare at people who were different as a way to be respectful, but Dr. Tami's personal story added a deeper layer to this understanding. She shared that after becoming disabled, she noticed people began to overlook her, speak around her, or avoid eye contact, which made her feel invisible. Hearing this from her lived experience helped me understand how common social behaviors, often taught with good intentions, can unintentionally dismiss a person's humanity. It reinforced how important it is to acknowledge, engage, and include people with disabilities rather than avoiding them.
This message is something I actively teach my children. My son plays football with a child who has autism, and I encourage him to be patient, supportive, and inclusive. Inclusion is not about treating people differently, but about making sure everyone feels like they belong. As Dr. Gina shared in the video, people with disabilities are not asking to be treated differently-they are simply asking for their needs to be met.
Marsiglia, Kulis, and Lechuga-Peña (2021) explain that ability status is an important dimension of diversity and that disability is often shaped by social and environmental barriers rather than individual limitations. This idea is strongly supported by Olkin and Pledger (2003), who found that people with disabilities are frequently marginalized due to stigma, inaccessible systems, and lack of representation in decision-making spaces. Their research emphasizes that ableism is embedded in social institutions such as education, healthcare, and employment, which limits opportunities for full participation. They argue that social workers have an ethical responsibility to challenge these barriers through advocacy, policy change, and inclusive practice.
These findings directly apply to social work practice. Social workers must meet clients where they are, use strengths-based approaches, and advocate for accessible services. The NASW Code of Ethics (2021) highlights the importance of respecting the dignity and worth of all people and challenging social injustice. As a future social worker, I will work to create inclusive spaces where clients of all abilities feel seen, valued, and supported.
Share an insight gained from reading their post. Need Assignment Help?
Ask a probing question that will help you gain a deeper understanding of their response.
Use professional or scholarly resource to support your posts. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.