Course Description
A problem-based learning and psychosocial lifespan approach to
understanding disability in adulthood is taken. Students are
presented with open-ended, real-life problems for analysis.
Topics explored range from transition out of high school through
adult life into old age.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to completing the assessments listed, graduate
students will be required to choose a topic from the syllabus
and create an annotated bibliography of 15 current sources
(less than 10 years old) that pertain to the topic selected.
Sources must be peer-reviewed journal articles.
Athena Title
Disability Issues in Adulthood
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in IHDD 4002S or IDIS 6002S
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
IHDD 2001
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of, and effectively critique, theories of adult development.
- Students will comprehend and apply the findings of current research and reports.
- Students will explain the ways in which disability may affect autonomy, work, income, and family.
- Students will identify social/environmental barriers to adult life for people with disabilities.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of strengths-based approaches to understanding adults with disabilities.
- Students will interact with adults with disabilities in an age-appropriate manner.
- Students will challenge negative/pitying attitudes toward adults with disabilities.
- Students will integrate knowledge into tools for empowering individuals, families, and/or organizations in their community.
Topical Outline
- Guardianship
- Transition to Adult Life
- Post-secondary Education
- Friendship and Loneliness
- Sexuality and Relationships
- Individualized Supports
- Housing Community
- Building Marriage and Parenthood
- Employment
- Retirement
- Aging and End-of-Life Planning
