| The profession of social work has historically embraced Strengths Perspective, with particular attention to oppressed or at-risk groups. While many social workers may indeed do this in direct practice with individuals, the majority of social work researchers have not reflected these values in their work in the area of disability. Research often shapes not only practice, but social work education as well. It is crucial that researchers include people with disabilities as active participants in the process to ensure that the results do not contribute to further marginalization and oppression, but rather to greater quality of life and overall empowerment.;A qualitative analysis of articles on disability from the database "Social Work Abstracts" reveals that only about 12% are devoted to empowerment, ability, or social change. Those conducting research in the area of disability face a number of barriers that often discourage the undertaking of designs that are inclusive and empowering to people with disabilities.;Social workers must abandon the medical model of disability, which is based on deficits and loss, in favor of locating disability within the framework of human diversity. Changes should occur both in social work research and in social work education, which often drive and complement one another. |
