Course Description
Contemporary issues impacting people with disabilities and their families. Self-determination, disability rights, inclusion, person-centered approaches, cultural competence, legislative/legal issues, and personal issues of people with disabilities will be addressed. The course presents a lifespan perspective.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will complete a research proposal focusing on
policy, funding, or services impacting individuals with
disabilities. Additionally, they will conceptualize and develop a
grant proposal seeking external funding for a disability-related
project.
Athena Title
ISSUES IN DIS ST
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should: a. Have knowledge of evolving critical issues relevant to individuals with disabilities and their families; b. Understand how developmental disabilities have been defined and how these definitions affect service delivery to individuals with disabilities and their families; c. Understand the mission and organization of key state and federal agencies supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, including the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the Georgia UAP, the Georgia Advocacy Office, and the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities; d. Have knowledge of key legislation related to individuals with disabilities and their families. e. Understand inclusion for individuals with disabilities across the life span; f. Have an appreciation for the need and right to options and freedom of choice in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; g. Expand self-awareness of multicultural issues through understanding components of culturally competent service delivery, knowledge of the national demographic profile of individuals with disabilities from many cultural backgrounds and knowledge of the unique health problems faced by individuals with disabilities from diverse cultural backgrounds; h. Understand Medicaid waiver programs, how waiver funds can be used to support individuals with disabilities, and how individuals with disabilities gain access to these programs; i. Have a basic understanding of managed care and the potential impact of managed care on individuals with developmental disabilities and the DD service system; j. Understand the potential impact of welfare reform for individuals with disabilities; k. Have a basic understanding of the principles and philosophy of the person-centered approach; l. Know several methods for conducting person-centered planning; m. Have a basic understanding of self-determination; n. Know the components of self-determination; o. Understand the perspectives of individuals with disabilities relative to sexuality and other personal concerns.
Topical Outline
I. Historical overview of disability services and supports II. Services and supports of individuals with disabilities and their families III. Inclusion across the lifespan IV. Developing culturally competent service delivery V. Medicaid, managed care and welfare reform and their effects on individuals with disabilities and their families VI. Self-determination and person-centered approaches VII. Personal issues (e.g., sexuality)