Reducing Ableism in Social Work Education Through Universal Design for Learning and Policy

Ableism is the systematic oppression of and prejudice toward individuals with disabilities due to the idealization of nondisabled bodies and minds. Despite legislation aimed at broadening the rights of individuals with disabilities, ableism persists, including in classrooms of postsecondary institutions and within the field social work. However, changes can be made with adoption of the social model of disability, and in applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL offers a more holistic framework for curriculum and instruction, benefiting institutions of higher education in the education and retention of individuals with disabilities, and more importantly, individuals with disabilities themselves. This analysis examines UDL as a potential solution for reducing ableism in institutions of higher education and the field of social work.