Graduate / I found myself drawn to "macro social work practice" - PhD in Social Policy (SOP) [3]

I am applying to a graduate program in social policy and would appreciate feedback on my statement of purpose. Thanks!!!

Statement of Purpose - XXXXXX

My decision to pursue a PhD from the XXX and become a disability policy scholar is informed by my academic and professional experience in the fields of social work and law, my personal experience as a woman with a disability, and my unwavering commitment to social justice. Armed with the research skills and policy expertise fostered by the PhD program at the XXX, I intend to work in academia, continuously designing and strengthening evidence-based policy solutions that advance social justice for people with disabilities and sharing my passion and research about disability policy with future leaders.

My interest in social policy and research first emerged during my undergraduate studies in social work. Unlike most of my peers who wanted to work directly with clients, I found myself drawn to "macro social work practice," and thoroughly enjoyed and showed great aptitude in social policy and research focused courses. This interest led me to complete two independent research projects related to social justice. The first, titled "Coming Out In College," was a qualitative study and literature review that explored the coming out process for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual adolescents. Finding myself increasingly fascinated by disability policy, I undertook a second independent research project, titled "Elders with Mental Retardation." This project, funded by a research grant from the XXX Foundation, examined the programmatic needs of the growing population of older adults with intellectual disabilities that receive state-funded residential services. The methodology for this project included interviews with national experts, needs assessment interviews with local service providers, and a comprehensive literature review. The findings of the project were included in a report for the XXX (formally XXX).

After gaining a year of "hands on" experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities, I began law school, knowing I wanted to advance social justice for people with disabilities. In law school, I enrolled in many courses related to disability law, social justice, and public policy, which furthered my interest in and understanding of these topics. During my third year, because of my academic achievements and commitment to disability rights, I was accepted into the XXX Clinic, where I represented people with disabilities in administrative hearings for public benefits. The experiences of working with clients and witnessing the injustices they faced further influenced my decision to dedicate my career to advancing the rights of people with disabilities.

In the legal profession, I have had the privilege to promote social justice in various settings. After working at XXX for nearly two years, representing low-income adults with disabilities, I yearned to work more directly in disability policy. Since then, I have served in policy practitioner roles for several nonprofits as well as the federal government. Presently, I am an XXX at the XXX, an XXX. There, my policy work focusses on parents with disabilities, special education, bullying, employment, health care, voting, long-term services and supports, and inclusive emergency management. Unquestionably, my proudest professional accomplishment is serving as the principal author of XXX's XXX groundbreaking report, "XXX." This internationally recognized policy study includes a comprehensive literature review from social science and legal research and findings from dozens of interviews with key experts as well as parents and prospective parents with disabilities.

The experience of authoring "XXX," awakened to me my "true calling" - research - and serves as the basis of my future scholarship. While researching and writing the report, I was shocked to find that despite increasing numbers of people with disabilities creating families, there is a paucity of data and research, particularly social science research, on the prevalence of parents with disabilities, their needs, and their experiences. Further troubling, much of the existing social science research pathologizes parental disability in a negative way. Indeed, adequate policy development and program planning to address the issues and meet the needs of parents with disabilities and their children cannot occur without accurate prevalence data as well as more detailed information about the circumstances, goals, and needs of these families. Thus, my research will examine this overlooked subject and result in positive social change.

I am confident that my experiences and research interests make the XXX, particularly the XXX, a natural fit for pursing a PhD and becoming a disability policy scholar. The XXX's interdisciplinary approach to driving social change through applied research and active public engagement will enrich my blend of academic, professional, and personal experiences. Similarly, the XXX's vision of "knowledge advancing social justice" complements my demonstrated commitment to promoting equality for all.

Further, the breadth of expertise of the XXX's faculty will prove invaluable in advancing my knowledge and skills to become a disability policy scholar. A recent conversation with Dr. XXX affirmed to me that my research interests nicely complement that of the XXX. I am particularly intrigued by the proposed research on the pregnancy experiences of mothers with intellectual disabilities, which Dr. XXX explained the XXX intends to begin in 2014. In addition to Dr. XXX's scholarship, my research interests closely align with several other XXX faculty and researchers who will be instrumental advisers to me. For example, Dr. XXX's scholarship on child wellbeing and social detriments will be incredibly useful as I examine the experiences and needs of children of parents with disabilities. Likewise, Dr. XXX's expertise in both people with intellectual disabilities and child and family policy will greatly complement my research.

My work has shown me the importance of quality research and sound public policy in advancing social justice and I desire to be part of the "solution." I am certain that my unique professional and personal experiences, coupled with the multidisciplinary approach to social policy research afforded by the XXX's PhD program, will provide me the skills necessary to make significant and much-needed contributions to disability policy. I look forward to reaching my dream of becoming a disability policy scholar and teacher upon completion of this program.