Fernando Rayas

Social Work

Past/current experiences working in the field of disabilities: 

As part of Grupo SALTO activities, I co-lead a social skills group with teenagers.  Grupo SALTO (Sociedad Autista Latina Trabajando con Optimismo) is an independent support group for Spanish speaking families from the Chicago land area who have children within the Autism Spectrum. 

Goals for your LEND training experience:

• Become more culturally sensitive and competent about the disability culture and about the system of care for people with disabilities
• Learn more about the role of social workers in interdisciplinary work settings
• Advance my knowledge of research by taking part in research projects conducted by the Institute on Disability and Human Development
• To become a more effective leader and advocate

What you wish to contribute, in the future, as a professional/family member in the field: 

Through research, advocacy, and civic engagement, I hope to exert a positive influence on the development and implementation of new and more just health care policies and programs that affect people with disabilities and their families in this country.