Ingri-Hanne Brænne Bennwik, PhD, explores how the way we think about disability can shape the lives of young people who have left the care system. She challenges ideas that can unintentionally influence how social workers understand and support disabled people asking listeners to look beyond timelines and paperwork to the everyday lives people are trying to live.

Bennwik introduces the idea of “ruling constructions,” or the often-unnoticed assumptions that shape how we see people and decide what they need. She explains how these ideas can affect both social workers and clients, particularly when disability is viewed mainly through the lens of fixing, curing or rehabilitation.

Bennwik also challenges how we normally think about time. She introduces “crip time,” which questions the expectation that everyone should move through life at the same pace. Through the experiences of disabled care-leavers, she explores what happens when people do not fit into the timelines and expectations built into everyday systems.

Throughout the conversation, Bennwik returns to the importance of seeing the whole person and making space for people to live full lives on their own terms. She reminds us that disability is part of human experience and something that affects all of us.

Ingri-Hanne Brænne Bennwik, PhD, is an associate professor of social work at VID Specialized University in Norway. Her research focuses on young people, particularly those with disabilities, who transition from care to adulthood. Drawing on her research and professional experience, Bennwik examines how policies, services and social work practices can better support young people with complex needs. She is also involved in international research networks and has published widely on disability, care-leaving, aftercare and social work practice.

It is an exciting time to be a social worker! Innovative technology has opened up new possibilities to better serve our clients. 

On inSocialWork®, you can discover how social workers are leveraging technology in creative ways to build upon client strengths and increase the impact of their agencies. Our episodes cover a wide range of technologies—from telehealth and apps to text messaging, social media and even video games.

Here at the UB School of Social Work, we integrate a trauma-informed and human rights perspective into all of our programs. inSocialWork® offers a variety of podcasts on trauma, trauma-informed care, human rights and social justice.

Social workers need a variety of skills and a strong knowledge base to successfully navigate the diverse landscape of our increasingly global world. The UB School of Social Work provides many opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for professional practice and global citizenship.

Self-care is an essential part of sustaining good social work practice.

At inSocialWork®, we encourage social workers to explore, develop and engage in good self-care to enrich both their lives and their profession.

From mental health to substance abuse, from ethics to cultural competence, you can explore a variety of topics with inSocialWork®.