Beyond Inclusion: Discussing Disability in Physical and Mental Health
An estimated 53 million individuals live with a disability. However, barriers to mental and health care services persist due to inadequate integration of issues related to disability identity into training programs. To increase equitable access to mental and health care services, we must commit to learning about disability culture, conceptual frameworks and evidence-based interventions that improve well-being across populations. TheBeyond Inclusion series was created to move discussions of disability identity beyond awareness of legislation (e.g., the Americans With Disabilities Act) and provide practical information for engaging a diverse society in health and education settings.
What the Science Says About Including Disability Topics in the Discipline
Individuals with the lived experience of disability represent a marginalized population that is impacted by health, educational and employment disparities. In addition, this diverse group of individuals often experiences societal issues at the intersection of race, gender and socio-economic status. These areas all impact the lives of individuals with disabilities.
A recent study conducted by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology’s Taskforce on Disability concluded that 90% of psychology faculty discussed disability topics on average 1-10% in their curriculum. In contrast, 50% of psychology faculty reported discussing other diversity topics on average 25-49% of the time (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation). Although stats are low, TheBeyond Inclusion series was developed to address the disparities that impact individuals with the lived experience of disability and encourages the discussion of disability as an aspect of multiculturalism among training programs.
Contributors of the Beyond Inclusion Series
The Beyond Inclusion contributors are practitioners and researchers who identify as having a disability or are allies. Each contribution to the series includes a 5 to 15-minute video of a topical area, case study and discussion questions.
Video Offerings
Serious Mental Illness and Incarceration
How three of the largest psychiatric institutions in the United States are jails. In addition, Appel addresses the experiences of those with SMI in the criminal justice system and provide an overview of programs geared to divert individuals with the lived experience of SMI to mental health and substance abuse programs. Lastly, the presenter provides the essential role of mental health professionals.
Oona Appel, PsyD, Office of Diversion and Reentry, Los Angeles Department of Health Services
For access to the additional SMI/SED videos in the series, case studies, and discussion questions please complete the brief five question survey.
