University of Maryland
School of Social Work
Office of Admissions
Personal Statement
1. As a future Social Worker being trained to address the daily struggles and challenges of those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty, particularly those with disabilities would be most rewarding. People with disabilities experience stigma and scrutiny due to a lack of public awareness. Many times people with disabilities will choose to not reveal their disability to the general public, although some disabilities have a visible feature that cannot be hidden. When a disability is visible it is easier for the individual to be stigmatized, but when a disability is not visible they are less likely to be stigmatized.
Identifying and understanding the daily challenges struggles associated with being disabled are essential to reduce the stigma connected with being a disabled person. The connection with being stigmatized and scrutinized while being disabled comes from personal experience being diagnosed with Leer’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) at age nineteen, which is an inherited form of vision loss causing legal blindness. Becoming legally blind and disabled has opened my eyes to the stigma and lack of family and public support provided to those with disabilities. Several barriers for myself as well as other …show more content…
Nonetheless, it is essential for social workers to engage in ethical decision-making and advocate for individuals in order to practice effectively. Striving for quality client interactions and rapport development to benefit clients served is essential. While it is necessary to make quality financial gains for the company to remain stable, client interactions in the social work profession are paramount and essential. As quality client interactions and financial gains are necessary for the agency and clients alike it is important to continue to negotiate for best
School of Social Work
Office of Admissions
Personal Statement
1. As a future Social Worker being trained to address the daily struggles and challenges of those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty, particularly those with disabilities would be most rewarding. People with disabilities experience stigma and scrutiny due to a lack of public awareness. Many times people with disabilities will choose to not reveal their disability to the general public, although some disabilities have a visible feature that cannot be hidden. When a disability is visible it is easier for the individual to be stigmatized, but when a disability is not visible they are less likely to be stigmatized.
Identifying and understanding the daily challenges struggles associated with being disabled are essential to reduce the stigma connected with being a disabled person. The connection with being stigmatized and scrutinized while being disabled comes from personal experience being diagnosed with Leer’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) at age nineteen, which is an inherited form of vision loss causing legal blindness. Becoming legally blind and disabled has opened my eyes to the stigma and lack of family and public support provided to those with disabilities. Several barriers for myself as well as other …show more content…
Nonetheless, it is essential for social workers to engage in ethical decision-making and advocate for individuals in order to practice effectively. Striving for quality client interactions and rapport development to benefit clients served is essential. While it is necessary to make quality financial gains for the company to remain stable, client interactions in the social work profession are paramount and essential. As quality client interactions and financial gains are necessary for the agency and clients alike it is important to continue to negotiate for best