I have experience working with people in the deaf and disability communities in an academic, mental health and health care context. I realized that I provided more effective and efficient services to clients if I addressed all three aspects simultaneously instead of one at a time. As a social worker, having a holistic understanding of a situation is integral to our profession. The AZLEND program gives me opportunities to expand my knowledge of neurodevelopmental disabilities from a variety of perspectives. I look forward to learning how multiple professions can collaboratively work to be stronger advocates for a common goal compared to a single profession. In the future, I hope to utilize an interprofessional approach to address policy and systemic issues related to the deaf and disability communities.
