Social Workers and Cognitive Disabilities: Roles, Advocacy, and Community Support
Overview
This paper examines the primary roles and responsibilities of social workers in supporting individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. It discusses social workers' functions as advocates, educators, and care coordinators while addressing historical marginalization of people with disabilities and emphasizing the importance of empowerment and access to community resources.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to social workers' primary purpose in dual diagnosis and community education regarding cognitive disabilities
- Historical context of disability discrimination and current developments in Canadian society affecting individuals with cognitive disabilities
- Professional roles of social workers including the Broker role and resource coordination for families and individuals
Preview
Social Workers and Cognitive Disabilities
The primary purpose of the social worker is to ensure that an individual with cognitive disabilities receives dual diagnosis of the intellectual disability, including the people around them and ensuring that they experience the changes and losses resulting from the circumstance. Individuals with cognitive disability may stay with their family members before and after diagnosis, as well as during the evaluation, planning, and coordination of care services. It is the role of social workers to raise awareness and educate the community regarding cognitive disabilities. In Canada, it has been reported that individuals with developmental disabilities experience violence and crimes (Focht-New, Barol, Clements, & Milliken, 2008). The recent developments in the Canadian society have produced numerous opportunities for social workers to closely monitor the situation of individuals with cognitive disabilities.
Social workers as primary care providers and advocates for people with intellectual disabilities, they understand that the disorder affects people of all ages. Through professional training, they are equipped with skills to understand the major causes as well as the effective interventions. It is the role of the social workers to make sure that the patient understands his or her diagnosis. They also offer support as they make adjustments in the lifestyle to cope with their condition. People with cognitive disabilities of require assistance in issues such as transportation, access to facilities, and more. It has been established that improvements in the standards of care, especially for people with cognitive disabilities enhances their quality of life (IFSW, 2012).