Decolonizing Disability in Social Work: A Conversation on Colonialism

Authors

Autumn Asher BlackDeer, University of DenverFollow

Keywords

decolonization, disability, colonialism, Indigenous, social work

Abstract

The present work seeks to prompt a paradigm shift in the conceptualization of disability within social work through three main goals: a) Problematize the dominant disability discourse in social work, b) Illuminate present day manifestations of settler colonialism and their intersection with disability in social work, and c) Introduce decolonization and its compatibility with disability justice to reckon with disability and colonialism in social work. First, the present work will illuminate social work’s dedication to the medical model, evidence-based practice, and hollow notions of empowerment and inclusion. Next, in viewing intersections of ableism with other forms of oppression, this work interrogates how settler colonialism has informed and perpetuates disability discourses in social work. Finally, this work introduces decolonization as an antidote to these legacies of harm; maps harmonies between decolonization and disability justice; and provides tangible steps to decolonize disability in social work education, practice, and research.

Recommended Citation

Asher BlackDeer, Autumn (2024) "Decolonizing Disability in Social Work: A Conversation on Colonialism," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 51: Iss. 1, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.4731
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol51/iss1/2