UMSSW faculty and students will showcase innovative research, advocacy, and disability justice leadership at the 71st Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference in Denver.
The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) is proud to participate in the 71st Annual Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Conference, to be held in Denver from Oct. 23-26, 2025. This year’s theme, “It’s Time to Act: Championing Disability Justice and Disability Joy in Social Work,” brings together educators, practitioners, and students from across the nation to advance these critical principles in the profession.
UMSSW will have several faculty and student presenters contributing to the conference sessions. Kerri Evans, a prominent voice at the event, will present on timely topics such as “Discrimination and Employment Barriers Among Latinx Immigrants in Baltimore,” “AI in Social Work Education: Opportunities & Challenges for Inclusive & Experiential Teaching,” and “Social Work Education and Child Welfare Practice When Working with Unaccompanied Immigrant Children.” These sessions reflect a strong commitment to research and advocacy for marginalized communities and the integration of technology and innovation in social work education.
Notable collaborative presentations also include Samantha Fuld, Dawn Shafer, and Gail Betz, who will lead sessions such as “Beyond Compliance: Conducting Meaningful Evaluations for Disability Justice in Social Work Education” and “Accessibility by Design: Best Practices for Establishing and Sustaining an Effective Accessibility Advisory Group.” Their work centers on disability justice, inclusive education, and accessible leadership in social work programs — ensuring that both theory and practice are deeply informed by principles of equity and access.
Additional faculty and student researchers, such as Tural Mammadi, Paul Sacco, Yancy Padilla, Jenny Siegel, Simpson Kamugisha, Merrick McKelvie, and PhD candidate Yali Deng, will contribute to discussions on intersectionality in gender minority stress, intellectual and developmental disabilities, family caregiving, and community-based research with Latino immigrant and behavioral health providers. The diversity of presentation topics demonstrates UMSSW’s wide-reaching expertise in anti-oppressive practice, mutual aid, culturally responsive programming, and community-centered research.
Click here for the full schedule of UMSSW at 2025 CSWE <<
Beyond the educational sessions, the conference includes preconference institutes, networking events, and leadership development activities tailored for current and future social work leaders. The Student Summit, Field Education Institute, and Leadership Development Institute will provide spaces for students and practitioners to build skills, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches to leadership, field practice, and relationship-building within social work.
By participating in the CSWE Annual Conference, UMSSW demonstrates its ongoing leadership in shaping the future of social work education and practice. Engaging in national dialogues, elevating research, and showcasing effective strategies for disability justice and equity, UMSSW faculty and students help drive progress toward a more inclusive, responsive, and impactful profession. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with new tools, knowledge, and professional relationships to effect positive change in their local communities and beyond.