The Role of Child Life Professionals in Overcoming Disability Stigma & Stereotypes - 2024 Child Life Conference

Only available as part of a package

The presenters with clinical experience supporting patients with developmental disabilities and behavioral health conditions will review the history of ableism in healthcare and the rise of the disability rights movement in the United States, discuss current controversies related to disability rights, and give examples of how both historical and current issues impact the experiences of pediatric patients with developmental disabilities. Participants will be prompted to reflect on their perspectives and biases. Presenters will share intersectional perspectives on autism, language preferences, and self-advocacy as well as case examples of combating ableism in healthcare, including advocating for a patient with developmental disabilities to receive a lifesaving transplant. Presenters will conclude with a discussion of disability-competent care, teaching participants how to apply general ethical principles and the ACLP Code of Ethics to demonstrate dignity and respect for patients with developmental disabilities and their families (ACLP, 2020)

Please note: All webinar content and its certificate will expire on 7/10/2027 regardless of when it is purchased, accessed, or completed. At that point, contents will no longer be available in any form, including as an archive or as a PDU certificate. It is the responsibility of the learner to complete the contents and download and save the certificate for their records before 7/10/2027.

Mary Ann Gill, MEd, CCLS

Clinical Research Coordinator

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Mary Ann began her career as a CCLS with the Adaptive Care Team and Behavior Safety Team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. After relocating from Cincinnati, Mary Ann spent two additional years as a child life specialist in hematology/oncology before transitioning to her current role as a clinical research coordinator at the Vanderbilt Center for Asthma Research. Mary Ann holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Mary's College of Maryland and a Master of Education in Applied Child Studies from Vanderbilt University. Mary Ann's interests in disability advocacy and neurodiversity-affirming practice stem from both professional and personal experience. She has previously presented on these topics at the regional Southeastern Association of Child Life Professionals and written about them in the ACLP Bulletin.

Kerri Birkett, CCLS, MS

Certified Child Life Specialist III

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Kerri Birkett is a Certified Child Life Specialist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital working with the Adaptive Care Team. Her work includes facilitating and providing direct support for patients with neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders by providing individualized education, preparation, procedural support, and therapeutic play. Kerri earned her Bachelors of Arts in Health Promotion from the University of Iowa and Masters of Science in Health Science at Northern Kentucky University. Kerri is a handler to Cincinnati’s first hospital facility dog, incorporating the use of animal-assisted therapy in her daily practice. Kerri is a graduate of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program and holds a certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Kerri has publications through Pediatrics and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and served as a subject matter expert for Hospital Pediatrics. Outside of her clinical work, Kerri enjoys spending time with her family and pack of dogs, hiking, baking, and happy hour with friends.