There is indeed something terribly wrong with a bad professional and a jaded
professional. What is even worse is a professional who has lost her/his way
and forgotten why they are (should be) in their chosen profession.
Unfortunately, the gatekeeper phenomenon is not limited to the social
workers. I further submit that the preoccupation to rise to the ranks of
gatekeeper may be found among social/human service professional with AND
without disabilities. Far too many vocational counselors, therapists,
physicians, clergy, educators - what have you - are either gatekeepers or
gatekeeper wan-to-bee's. Any social/human service professional should
shudder and become violently ill if they ever feel themselves slipping into
the roll of "gatekeeper." What an ugly word and what an ugly concept! If
and when the mindset shifts to the role of "GATEOPENER" - or at least,
"non-gate-blocker" then discussions regarding whether the
"disability-related" professional is disabled or not her-/himself become
moot points. What one DOES and the manner in which they do it is far more
important than what one IS (holds true for consumers and providers alike!).
Bill Carnagey
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 1999 1:02 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Recent postings
Janet Iles raises some questions about the developement of
the role of Social
Workers as Gatekeepers and as I work attached to a Social
Services Dept. I
must agree that this is the way things are going.
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