Human Rights Advocacy for Students with Disabilities: Challenging Stigma and Promoting Opportunity in Social Work Education

Abstract

Students with disabilities are participating in postsecondary education at increased rates, and social work educators are increasingly involved in improving accessibility for these students. In these roles, social work educators must actively work to challenge social and institutional discrimination against people with disabilities. Using a conceptual framework of stigma, this paper examines the cultural attitudes and beliefs that have marginalized people with disabilities, and explores opportunities and barriers for students with disabilities in postsecondary education. Additionally, this paper examines the role of the social work educator in advocating for greater access and opportunities in postsecondary education for these students by making interventions in practice, policy, and research.