Date: TBD

Time: TBD

THEMATIC

CFP 25 - Thematic: Community Approaches to Mental Health: Educators, Policy-Makers Activists, and Social Identities
Room: TBD

Sponsor: Disability, Mental Wellness, and Social Justice

Organizer: Lily Ivanova, University of British Columbia

Presiders: Lily Ivanova, University of British Columbia
Rebecca Qin, University of British Columbia

Discussant: Keith R. Johnson, Independent Scholar

Description: 

How do activists, communities, experts, and researchers come together to understand, support, frame, and advocate for community mental health and disability? Disabled bodies and people experiencing mental illness have long been marginalized and continue to be controlled and disenfranchised. However, people with disabilities and mental illness, along with community leaders, have organized and fought for their rights to exist and thrive within society. These efforts take many forms, including traditional protests, internet activism, artistic expression, organizational work, and policy advocacy. This session explores the innovative ways disability and mental health activists, their communities, organizations, and researchers collaborate to address complex community challenges.

Papers:

“‘Hope Is Our Guiding Light’: How Social Workers Experience Hope in Their Practice,” Alison Fedoris Leslie, The Center for Social Work Education, Widener University

“Bridges Through Wellness: Inclusive Mental Health Education for International Students and People with Disabilities,” Natasha I. Kabir, Community School; and Bosch Alumni Regional Coordinator, South Asia

“Repowering Indigenous Knowledges in Colonial Spaces,” Stephen Silva-Brave, University of Texas

“SafeSport: Is It Really Keeping Athletes Safe?” Sophia Hodowanec, West Virginia University

“When Policy Enters the Home: Dependent Visas and the Colonization of Everyday Life among South Asian Migrant Spouses,” Melicha Rahaman, The University of Texas at El Paso

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