Social Justice

Social justice and social services have always played a vital role in my life. From leading canned food and toy drives in middle school to volunteering in school settings and soup kitchens, I am dedicated in assisting others to meet their goals and removing obstacles that may present as a disability or create discrimination. Through the experiences of engaging with individuals from different populations, I have realized the importance of working on a marco-level of social services. An individual’s presenting problem often develops from a systemic issue. From a social work perspective, disabilities are a result from society’s understanding of a person’s impairment or level of functioning. Adults with developmental delays have atypical experiences
Although these are necessary skills for independence, there is a clear disregard for all other aspects of life. Independent living is the main objective for most individuals with developmental delays. However, meeting the basic needs of survival do not encompass a meaningful life. Everyone has the right to engage in activities, hobbies and create relationships with others. Through stereotypical and able-normative media portrayals and other stigmatized outlets, individuals with developmental delays are reduced to a simple, helpless and burdening narratives. All forms of media are influential in shaping the viewers’ perception and as a reflection of their views. From education, relationships, recreation to employment, individuals with developmental delay are sparsely considered or completely forgotten. The lack of awareness and false information that is associated with this population has a negative effect on the individual and their mental health. The stigmatization of this population restricts social interaction, integration and employment opportunities in their community. During the early developmental stages, this population typically has their guardians and families as advocates and a support system. As this population ages, their advocates tend to change as members of their families may pass away or become unable to support them.
It is also one of the most exclusive graduate schools that offer the macro practice concentration, which would serve as an excellent tool in reaching my professional career path. I truly believe the four years in my human service undergraduate program with the four hundred hour internship has prepared me for the academic challenges and fieldwork practice that is offered at Fordham University. I look forward to this, as it will aid in the advancement of my social service ability. My experience of forming relationships and working with clients has afforded a unique understanding of adults with developmental delays. Working one-to-one with clients and seeing how they are viewed as inferior or “less than” by their community drives my passion to create change within our society. I am passionate to help this population because I am aware of the impact policy and advocacy has on the individual. Organizations and other groups have established revolutionary policies and progress, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. These programs and policies are instrumental to creating equal opportunities, but are not sufficient to de-marginalize this