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See all the wonderful things Zelda Baker has made

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From Bethesda Institute's "Intellectual Disability," learn what an intellectual disability is.

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(Downloading may be required)

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An analysis of the practice, policy, and ethical issues present 

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An analysis of the practice, policy, and ethical issues present 

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In the case of Sam Dawson, it is noted that our client has an intellectual disability, as well as autism. He is a single parent to seven year old Lucy Dawson, who recently has been removed from the home of Mr. Dawson due to the recommendation of local child protection service. It has been decided by a social worker that Mr. Dawson can no longer properly care for his daughter because of his disability.

With this information, some concerns would include the human rights of Sam Dawson, as well as the ethics that are being challenged that include integrity, social justice, and dignity. Removing the child from the home based on the assumption that Mr. Dawson was incompetent without proper research is unjust. Especially considering that Mr. Dawson has a steady job, support from friends and neighbors, and has provided a safe environment for his daughter prior to her removal.

As a social worker, our primary purpose is to help enhance human well-being. We are encouraged to identify with the person and not the disability. Therefore with Sam Dawson, there is a real issue when considering if his parental rights should be invoked, instead of working with Sam to develop a person-center plan that would allow for him to maintain legal custody.

Sam Dawson has a right to remain in custody of his daughter; she has suggested that she would prefer to remain with him. Understanding this, moving forward with a strengths-based approach would be recommended. It would recognize the social support that Mr. Dawson has already established, and build upon that. This would allow social workers to move forward, and remove any ethical and social issues that have been demonstrated.

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In regards to Sam Dawson, an individual with an intellectual disability some of the social support that has been demonstrated includes a group of friends with various developmental disabilities. Sam also has the support of his neighbor, Annie who often volunteers to watch his daughter when he has to work.
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There are also several programs and organizations that offer support including:

Best Buddies is an organization that works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by opportunities for one-to-one friendships and employment.

www.bestbuddies.org

Elwyn is also an organization that works with individuals to maximize their full potential. They offer residential services, education, rehabilitation, and vocational services.

www.elwyn.org

The Arc of the United States is another group that is dedicated to providing services and support to individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability.

www.thearc.org

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Brief explanation of Intellectual Disability. 

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Brief explanation of Intellectual Disability. 

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From Bethesda Institute's "Intellectual Disability," learn what an intellectual disability is.

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Brief discussion of the Social Model of Disability, Disability Culture, and the importance of First-Person Language in Social Work Practice.

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Brief discussion of the Social Model of Disability, Disability Culture, and the importance of First-Person Language in Social Work Practice.

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(Downloading may be required)

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Bethesda Institute. (April 02, 2017). What is Intellectual Disability?  [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/V_mTP9WLdcI.

Corliss, R. (2001). I AM SAM (Motion picture). Time, 158/159(28/1), 142.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2008). Code of ethics. Washington,

DC: NASW Press.

Watkins, C. (1995). Beyond Status: The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Parental Rights of People Labeled Developmentally Disabled or Mentally Retarded. California Law Review, 83(6), 1415.

Mackelprang, R.W. & Salsgiver, R.O. (2009). Disability: A diversity model approach in human service practice (2nd ed.).  Chicago: Lyceum Books, Inc.

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Sam Dawson is a Caucasian male, mid-thirties who is diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and autistic tendencies. He is a single father to seven year old, Lucy Dawson. Lucy appears to be a normal child. Sam work history includes Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and also dog walker. Despite Sam’s developmental disability, he lives a well-adjusted life. He also is part of a support group of friends with similar disabilities. He is noted as a good father, and provider for Lucy Dawson.

Currently, Lucy has been removed from the care of Sam Dawson and placed in a foster care under the recommendation of a social worker. The argument being that Lucy’s cognitive abilities have surpassed her father’s and he is not a capable father. Sam has acquired the legal services of attorney Rita Harrison, and is challenging to secure his parental rights.