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The American Disabilities Act of 1990 states,

Disability Policy Social Worker

“The Congress finds that physical or mental disabilities in no way diminish a person’s right to fully participate in all aspects of society, yet many people with physical or mental disabilities have been precluded from doing so because of discrimination … the Nation’s proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities are to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals…”

People with disabilities have the right to opportunity, independent living, participation, and economic self-sufficiency. However, people with disabilities have not always enjoyed these rights.

To read the entire act see -https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor62335

Disability policy social workers advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities.

Disability Policy Social Workers Career Options

Depending on the employer, disability policy social workers may work on the federal, state, or local level for non-profit organizations, such as theCivil Liberties Unionor theDisability Rights Advocates.  Disability policy social workers may work with other government or state agencies to file a lawsuit against a company, for instance, which is discriminating against disabled employees. Some disability policy social workers promote the rights of individuals with disabilities in grocery stores, manufacturing plants, hospitals, or even grocery stores.

Disability policy social workers:

Typical Employment Settings for a Disability Policy Social Worker

Disability policy social workers might be employed in areas/sectors. However, as a disability policy social worker advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities, most individuals work forgovernment agencies at the state, local and national level.  Other employment settings, include:

Learn more abouthow to become a disability policy social worker.

Ways a Disability Policy Social Worker Can Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate and Increase His or Her Salary

A disability policy social worker with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) may find employment in many entry-level positions. However, to increase desirability in this competitive field and gain employment at a more experienced level, individuals should consider earning a master’s degree in social work (MSW).

A BSW will prepare individuals for direct-service positions, and teach students about diverse populations, social welfare policies, and human behavior. All bachelor’s degree programs require students complete supervised fieldwork and an internship.

All states require some form of licensure or certification to practice as a disability policy social worker.  Individuals interested in employment as a disability policy social worker should contact their state board (Association of Social Work Boards) for information regarding regulatory licensure requirements.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, disability policy social workers, which fall under the broad category of all social workers, earn a median annual salary of approximately$61,000as of May 2022.  The lowest 10 percent earn just less than $38,000, and the top 10 percent earn more than $95,000.

There is no specific information regarding job growth for disability policy social workers. However, because of the American Disabilities Act of 1990, companies, organizations, advocacy groups, and other agencies are now required to meet the needs of disabled individuals.  Unquestionably, this will lead to additional employment opportunities for disabled policy social workers in the years to come.

Related Social Work Education Guides

Attributes Employers Often Look for When Hiring a Disability Policy Social Worker

Networking Opportunities and Organizations for Disability Policy Social Workers

Advocacy Groups:

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections forsocial workersis based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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