Disabilities Committee

Mission

To elevate the profession by advancing excellence in social work by guiding NASW initiatives for disability justice and equity.

Purpose

The NASW Disabilities Committee reviews and monitors programs that:

• Advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
• Support legislative and policy changes to improve accessibility to services.
• Expand professional education on disability-centered practice.

Duties

• Address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Review and monitor policies and programs that promote the well-being of individuals with disabilities.
• Provide resources, training, and continuing education opportunities for social workers who are interested in collaborating with individuals with disabilities.
• Evaluate the feasibility of new credentialing programs for disabilities as a specialty area for social workers. Provide recommendations for new credentials to the Credentialing Committee.
• Provide strategic advice and input into the research conducted by NASW staff on the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Committee Composition

1. There shall be eleven (11) volunteer members of the Committee. One (1)   NASW staff member or Chapter ED, will function as liaison between the Committee and the Association departments/staff.
2. NASW Committee members will be appointed by the NASW President, consistent with NASW’s bylaws and other policies. The committee will recommend appointments to the NASW President, who will make final committee appointments.
3. The 11 Committee members shall represent the following groups of stakeholders:
   1. Two (2) of the members shall be active ACSW or DCSW credential holders.
   2. Nine (9) of the members shall be individuals who may hold other NASW credentials, but that is not a requirement for committee membership. All Committee members must maintain NASW membership and be in good standing while serving on the Committee.
   3. Three (3) of the members must be individuals with disabilities.
4. The Committee shall have a Chair whom the NASW President appoints.
5. Except as hereinafter provided, each Committee member, including the Chair, shall serve a three-year term.
6. If, for any reason, a Committee member cannot serve or resigns before the expiration of the term for which he or she is appointed, another member may be appointed by the NASW President. When appointments are for the remainder of an unexpired term, that individual is eligible to serve two additional full terms of office.
7. The Committee members shall not receive compensation for the performance of their duties; however, they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incidental to the performance of their duties on the Committee.

Committee Chair Responsibilities

1. Serve as chair for all meetings of the NASW Disabilities Committee.
2. Coordinate ongoing activities of subcommittees.
3. Appoint a member of the Committee to chair meetings in his/her absence.
4. Report Committee activities to the NASW Board of Directors.
5. Notify the NASW President of an existing vacancy or impending Committee vacancy as soon as is practicable.

Meetings

1. The Committee shall meet virtually at least three (3) times per year and have one (1) additional in-person meeting biennially.
2. Notice for meetings shall be provided by the Committee Chair at least thirty calendar days in advance.
3. The Committee shall keep full minutes of all its meetings, resolutions, and actions.
4. A simple majority of committee members shall be required to approve the minutes of each meeting or ratify any decision.

Scope of Authority

1. The Committee is accountable to the NASW Board of Directors and will recommend to the Board of Directors such action(s) deemed necessary to further the pursuit of the Committee’s mission.
2. The Committee shall conduct the work outlined in this charge in collaboration with NASW staff.