Building An Inclusive Practice Series – Part 2: Expanding Understanding of Mental Illness, Neurodivergence, and Disability

Building An Inclusive Practice Series – Part 2: Expanding Understanding of Mental Illness, Neurodivergence, and Disability

Part 2 – Disability Justice Frameworks for Optometry: Expanding Understanding of Mental Illness, Neurodivergence, and Disability​

Complimentary Webinar – 2-hrs of COPE Approved CE credit

Abstract: This course will establish the foundation for expanding our conceptions of mental illness, neurodivergence, and Disability–centering on the narratives of those who identify with or have lived experience of these identities. Various ocular and medical presentations of mentally ill, neurodivergent, and Disabled patients will be reviewed. We will also challenge optometrists and optometry students to question internalized ableism and sanism, and the potential for our field (and selves) to cause or further exacerbate trauma, harm, and violence for Disabled and neurodivergent patients. As health providers, it’s critical to understand how medicine has often been used as a tool of oppression for multiply marginalized folks (including: practices of eugenics, forced hospitalization, triage policies, etc.). We will discuss the Disability Justice movement, ableism, intersectionality, and social and political models of Disability.

Presenters:
Shelby Leach, OD
Jennifer Liu – SUNY Student
Project Lets Rep