Social Work
Social work is an important component of a comprehensive center serving women with physical disabilities. There can be many emotional and social concerns that arise in women with physical disabilities, whether they have had the disability for a long time (congenital), or it's a recent development in their lives (acquired). Social work can provide a mix of emotional support and therapeutic work, along with referrals to concrete sources of information and advocacy around accessibility issues.
Our social worker offers:
- Counseling and the opportunity to express concerns in a non-judgmental forum.
- An opportunity to connect with a variety of women who have similar concerns and issues due to their health/disability.
- Empowerment of women with disabilities to advocate for themselves and to build productive lives.
- Encouragement to explore new ways of living with a physical disability.
- Individual psychosocial assessment/orientation to IWD services.
- Individual and group support for the mental health issues (depression and anxiety) that sometimes come along with physical disability.
- Crisis intervention.
- Information and referral to community resources.
Upcoming Group Meeting Schedule:
Finding Balance Wellness Group
Women's Group
From the social worker: "By having the opportunity to express themselves and their issues in a safe non-judgmental environment, clients are better able to deal with their various life issues and take on new ways of coping. Clients begin to take on a new approach to their life by way of the introduction of new coping skills in addition to incorporating programs of IWD (i.e. – acupuncture, massage, reiki, reflexology, fitness classes). The burden of taking on one’s issues alone is lifted – giving clients hope and strength that they have someone to be with them through life’s troubles."
