I will describe my past internship with Blue Water of Independent Living agency (BWIL), with that experience in social work roles, human rights and social justice with individuals that are having challenges with independent living. This organization helped with the needs of individuals with any disability, physical and/or mental. Lapeer County has a large population of individuals that fall into this category. This paper will look at areas of a social workers role, advocacy, human rights as well as social policy. We will look at when social work roles, human rights and social justice came into play in an organization, as well as how this organization advocates, informs, and supports all people with disabilities to live independently using social
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He was on a respirator during the day and an iron lung at night, and only movement of one finger. In 1962 at the age of eighteen Ed attended the University of California in Berkeley. The University doors were too small for his wheelchair to fit through, but he refused to be beaten and continued to work hard. Social work role, human rights included social justice and social policies began ten years later in 1972 the first Center for Independent Living was formed in Berkeley, followed by Boston and Houston that year. There are four locations in the Michigan Thumb area, the first was in Port Huron in July 1986, funded with a $7,400 state grant, under the auspices of Goodwill Industries. This was followed by the openings of St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola and Lapeer counties in the 90’s. Blue Water Center of Independent Living has a volunteer Board of Directors, consisting of people of all walks of life in the BWCIL service area. Funding is from state grants, with community partners, Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Disability Network Michigan, and United Way just to mention a few …show more content…
During this experience I was given the responsibility to assist consumers in maintaining, regaining and improving their independent living a basic right of all humanity. Being social work student I must be able to think critically to help find the best solution for a consumer’s needs. This placement gave me the opportunity to develop some social work skills while getting some recognition in the community and with other agencies. It was rewarding to see consumers with smiles on their faces after their need was met by us or some other agency addressing social problems in this small
He was on a respirator during the day and an iron lung at night, and only movement of one finger. In 1962 at the age of eighteen Ed attended the University of California in Berkeley. The University doors were too small for his wheelchair to fit through, but he refused to be beaten and continued to work hard. Social work role, human rights included social justice and social policies began ten years later in 1972 the first Center for Independent Living was formed in Berkeley, followed by Boston and Houston that year. There are four locations in the Michigan Thumb area, the first was in Port Huron in July 1986, funded with a $7,400 state grant, under the auspices of Goodwill Industries. This was followed by the openings of St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola and Lapeer counties in the 90’s. Blue Water Center of Independent Living has a volunteer Board of Directors, consisting of people of all walks of life in the BWCIL service area. Funding is from state grants, with community partners, Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Disability Network Michigan, and United Way just to mention a few …show more content…
During this experience I was given the responsibility to assist consumers in maintaining, regaining and improving their independent living a basic right of all humanity. Being social work student I must be able to think critically to help find the best solution for a consumer’s needs. This placement gave me the opportunity to develop some social work skills while getting some recognition in the community and with other agencies. It was rewarding to see consumers with smiles on their faces after their need was met by us or some other agency addressing social problems in this small