❗ACTION ALERT: Submit comments about social worker rule changes❗

Published: Thu, 10/22/20

CALL TO ACTION

The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners (TSBSWE) moved to change its code of conduct to allow discrimination against Texans based on their disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The Texas Behavioral Health Council (BEHC) is meeting on October 27, and we need you to speak out against this discriminatory move.

What We Need

Take action to let the Texas BHEC about the danger of this change.

Testify at the next BHEC hearing at 9 a.m. Central time on Tuesday, October 27, to urge BHEC to formally adopt rules that extend protections for disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to all of the boards under their administration, including the TSBSWE.
If you cannot attend the meeting, be sure to email your written comments BEFORE October 27 to General@bhec.texas.gov.
Contact Governor Greg Abbott and share your opinion.
Contact your Texas legislators and share your concerns. Find out who represents you.

Texans with IDD Rely on Social Workers

According to data from the National Associations of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are three-times more likely to be violently victimized, which includes rape, sexual assault, aggravated assault or robbery. They are also four-to-10 times more likely to be victims of crimes such as abuse, neglect or exploitation. And among all people with IDD, 30% to 35% have a co-occurring psychiatric disability, or dual-diagnosis.

"Social workers do more than just counseling. Many licensed social workers connect Texans to assistance with housing, jobs, food, and healthcare," says The Arc of Texas CEO Jennifer Martinez. "Texas social workers empower all Texans, especially those with disabilities who need these resources, and allowing unchecked discrimination disavows the principles and practice of social work."

Read The Arc of Texas Statement

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