Jessica King, Social Work Student

Jessica's Bio

Jessica King received her B.A. in Social Welfare and Justice from Marquette University in 2006. She began the MSW program at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work in 2007. Through the concentration of Community Health and Urban Development (CHUD), she developed an even deeper interest in working with oppressed individuals and their communities through advocating for deinstitutionalization and increased community services for individuals with disabilities and their families. Self advocacy has also become a major focus in her work particularly for adults with developmental disabilities. Working closely with self-advocates, Jessica has developed skills in training and promoting self advocacy through empowerment in order to work against the ever so frequent social injustices and human rights violations against people with disabilities. Jessica's was also a member of the IDHD LEND program in the 2009 academic year. Working on a multidisciplinary team with many other professionals has proved to be a valuable experience. Gaining knowledge, new perspectives, and concerns from other professionals not otherwise brought to her attention has opened new viewpoints and bettered her social work practice.

Experience with IDHD

Jessica's experience with IDHD has been an incredible learning experience, unlike any she has had prior. IDHD provided opportunities tailored to her interests in self advocacy and community development along with many others. She works as a member of the community support team and provides therapeutic services in the Family Clinic, including an eight week Dating Skills Group. One of the most important aspects of her field placement with IDHD is the support and guidance she has received from her field supervisors. Through their commitment to their students, Jessica has been challenged and supported personally, as well as, professionally to overcome obstacles and take advantage of unique opportunities.