Advocacy - SWEET INSTITUTE - Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals

The Global Movement for Disability Rights

Mardoche Sidor, MD and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:18 +0000

In every corner of the world, individuals with disabilities navigate unique challenges and barriers to full participation in society. From inaccessible infrastructures to discriminatory attitudes, the obstacles they face are diverse and pervasive. However, amidst these challenges, a powerful movement is emerging—one that advocates for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of people with disabilities on a global scale. Breaking Down Barriers: The global disability rights movement[1] aims to dismantle the physical, social, and attitudinal barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from fully exercising their rights and accessing opportunities. This movement is grounded in the principles of equality, dignity, and social justice, recognizing that disability is not a limitation but a natural aspect of human diversity. Legislative Advances: Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in advancing disability rights at the international level. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in 2006, serves as a landmark treaty that promotes the full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.[2] Ratified by over 180 countries, the CRPD establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting and promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities, including provisions related to accessibility, non-discrimination, and participation in political and public life. Promoting Inclusive Development: In addition to legal frameworks, efforts to promote inclusive development are essential for advancing disability rights globally. This involves ensuring that development initiatives, in areas such as education[3], healthcare, employment, and infrastructure projects, are accessible and responsive to the needs of people with disabilities. By mainstreaming disability inclusion into development policies and programs, countries can create more equitable and sustainable societies for all.[4] Changing Perceptions: Central to the global disability rights movement is the shift towards more inclusive and empowering narratives about disability.[5] Instead of viewing disability as a deficit or tragedy, there is growing recognition of the strengths, capabilities, and contributions of individuals with disabilities. Through advocacy, storytelling, and representation in media and popular culture, stereotypes and misconceptions about disability are being challenged, paving the way for greater acceptance and social integration. The Power of Collective Action: At the heart of the global disability rights movement is the power of collective action and solidarity. People with disabilities, along with their allies, advocates, and organizations, are working tirelessly to raise awareness, influence policy, and drive systemic change. By amplifying their voices, sharing their experiences, and mobilizing for action, individuals with disabilities are shaping a more inclusive and equitable world for future generations.[6] Looking Ahead: While significant strides have been made, much work remains to be done to achieve full equality and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Addressing persisting barriers, such as poverty, violence, and lack of access to essential services, requires sustained commitment and collaboration across sectors and stakeholders. A considerable cohort of SWEET members, including Anne Elizabeth, AnnMarie, Vilma, Stuart, Marie, and many others, actively engage in advocacy efforts to champion the rights of the less fortunate and reduce disparities. The impact of their work is profound, and we recognize the need for more clinicians to join their ranks. We encourage you to stand alongside them and contribute to creating positive change in our communities. As we look ahead, let us continue to champion the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities and build a more inclusive world where everyone can thrive. In closing, the global disability rights movement is a testament to the resilience, courage, and determination of individuals with disabilities and their allies. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where diversity is celebrated, and every person is valued and respected, regardless of ability. [1] Pateisky, Daniel. International disability rights advocacy: Languages of moral knowledge and institutional critique. Routledge, 2021. [2] MacKay, Don. “The United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.” Syracuse J. Int’l L. & Com. 34 (2006): 323. [3] Ellis, Katie, et al. “Mainstreaming accessible digital technologies in higher education: a human rights approach to disability inclusion.” Activating Cultural and Social Change. Routledge, 2021. 227-240. [4] Skarstad, Kjersti, and Michael Ashley Stein. “Mainstreaming disability in the United Nations treaty bodies.” Journal of human rights 17.1 (2018): 1-24. [5] Erkulwater, Jennifer. “Rights, Identity, and Organizational Change among Disability Rights and Parent Advocacy Organizations: Policy Feedback and the Politics of Intersectional Identity.” APSA 2014 Annual Meeting Paper. 2014. [6] Chhabra, Gagan. “Global Disability Summit: How to realize “nothing without us”.” Rethinking Disability and Human Rights. Routledge, 2023. 137-140.

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Confronting Bias in Language and Society

Mardoche Sidor, MD and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:09:34 +0000

In the intricate tapestry of our language and society, biases have silently woven their threads, shaping our perceptions and influencing our actions. It’s time for us, as mental health clinicians, to come clean about the implicit biases that permeate our everyday discourse and societal structures. The stark contrast between “white” and “black” in our language mirrors deeply ingrained associations[1]. “White” resonates with notions of light, innocence, and peace, while “black” often conveys tragedy, disaster, or unhappiness[2]. The unconscious biases embedded in these linguistic nuances extend far beyond mere semantics; they infiltrate our thoughts, behaviors, and societal systems. As clinicians, we delve into the complexities of the mind, exploring the realms of unconscious biases, internalized racism, and the intricate dance between self-hatred[3] and superiority[4]. We comprehend the psychological mechanisms at play – from social proof to subliminal messages, repetition to positive reinforcement – all contributing to the subtle reinforcement of stereotypes[5]. Beyond language, our visual and auditory landscapes perpetuate these biases. In movies and TV shows, white is often associated with goodness, while black is aligned with darkness or malevolence. Our society’s role models predominantly wear the cloak of whiteness, perpetuating an unconscious narrative that associates success, intelligence, and virtue with a specific skin color. Turning our gaze to the news, disparities unfold glaringly. Black individuals are overrepresented in incarceration[6], homelessness[7], and poverty[8], while being underrepresented in realms of success and influence. This stark contrast sends a message – unintended or not – that black is synonymous with inferiority. To truly heal, we must address this colossal elephant in the room – the systemic racism and biases that persist in our language, media, and societal structures. Ignoring these realities only perpetuates the cycle of inequality and perpetuates the message that black is less capable, less intelligent. Acknowledging these truths is the first step towards healing ourselves and, consequently, healing the communities we serve. By dismantling the biases ingrained in our language and society, we pave the way for a more equitable, inclusive, and compassionate world. It’s time to challenge the status quo, spark difficult conversations, and embark on a collective journey towards genuine transformation. Our patients and clients, affected by various social determinants of health[9], deserve nothing less than a world free from the shackles of bias, where their inherent worth is recognized beyond the color of their skin. Here are some options for you: Enroll in our self-study courses covering topics like implicit bias, cultural awareness, and cognitive distortions. Enroll in our self-study courses focusing on working with special populations, including justice-involved individuals, those affected by homelessness, and African American Contact us to discuss how SWEET can customize solutions to meet your needs as a clinician or your agency’s needs. (contact@SWEETInstitute.com) [1] Smith–McLallen, Aaron, et al. “Black and white: The role of color bias in implicit race bias.” Social cognition 24.1 (2006): 46-73. [2] Mandelbaum, Eric. “Attitude, inference, association: On the propositional structure of implicit bias.” Noûs 50.3 (2016): 629-658. [3] Gold, Jeffrey. “Suffering, Self-Hate, and the Implicit Association Test: A Critical Assessment into the Zen Philosophy of Cheri Huber.” International Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Society 6.2 (2015). [4] Golden, Kristen Brown. “White privilege: unconscious racism, freud, and neuroscience of implicit bias.” Critical Philosophy of Race 9.2 (2021): 295-322. [5] Appel, Markus, and Silvana Weber. “Do mass mediated stereotypes harm members of negatively stereotyped groups? A meta-analytical review on media-generated stereotype threat and stereotype lift.” Communication Research 48.2 (2021): 151-179. [6] Muller, Christopher. “Exclusion and exploitation: The incarceration of Black Americans from slavery to the present.” Science 374.6565 (2021): 282-286. [7] Otiniano Verissimo, Angie Denisse, et al. “Homelessness and discrimination among US adults: The role of intersectionality.” Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness 32.1 (2023): 1-15. [8] Wilson, Valerie. “Racial disparities in income and poverty remain largely unchanged amid strong income growth in 2019.” (2020). [9] Johnson, Tiffani J. “Intersection of bias, structural racism, and social determinants with health care inequities.” Pediatrics 146.2 (2020).

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