This workshop will explore the concepts of ableism in identification and intervention for disability; as well as foundational ideas for neurodiversity affirming practice.
Participants will gain an understanding of the medical model vs. the social model of disability, and how intersectionality and oppressive systems are at play in current frameworks for disability identification and intervention.
How dominant frameworks present potential barriers to meeting personal and professional/academic goals in various environments will be addressed, as well as strategies for disrupting ableism in professional practice, and providing person centered care.
The presenter’s applied experience is in the school setting, although examples can be applied across various settings.
Participants in this workshop will learn and explore:
- Ableism in the context of systemic oppression to support better ability to identify it in practice.
- The medical model vs social model of disability, and ways that ableism is present in our frameworks for identification and intervention of disability.
- How to identify where our point of influence is for disruption of ableism and examine a few strategies for neurodiversity affirming care.
Jennifer Niese, EdS, NCSP is a school psychologist with more than 20 years experience working with neurodiverse folks in various settings. The majority of Jennifer’s experience has been with people ages 3-21 in school settings. Jennifer has a passion for working with individuals with developmental differences; and supporting caregivers to create inclusive environments where all students can gain independence and participate fully in the community. Much of Jennifer’s work life is spent in the space in between special education and general education implementing universal practices and data driven instruction to meet the needs of all students regardless of labels.
