Fifty-four million Americans have disabilities, making this one
of the largest minority groups in the United States. Thoroughly
understanding disability requires understanding human diversity
and social justice. The course will cover a wide variety of
disability topics, and prominent leaders in the disability
field will serve as guest lecturers.
Athena Title
Introduction to Disability
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will develop an awareness of disability as a diversity and civil rights issue.
Upon completion of the course, students will understand local, national, and global social policy regarding people with disabilities.
Upon completion of the course, students will think critically about contemporary and historical issues faced by people with disabilities.
Upon completion of the course, students will identify the interaction between historical events and longstanding customs related to the treatment of people with disabilities and contemporary political, social, and economic issues.
Upon completion of the course, students will describe how historical, economic, political, social, and spatial relationships have developed, persisted, and changed over time related to people with disabilities.
Upon completion of the course, students will connect the contributions of groups and individuals to overall ideas and belief systems related to disability.
Upon completion of the course, students will explain how society's perspectives on disability are influenced by the stereotypical portrayal of persons and events in a variety of media forms.
Upon completion of the course, students will appreciate that a person’s perceived ability by others may affect his or her full participation in society.
Upon completion of the course, students will increase comfort in interacting with people with disabilities and awareness of respectful interaction and language.
Upon completion of the course, students will increase interest in understanding, supporting, and advocating for people with disabilities in the future.
Topical Outline
1. Interacting with People with Disabilities/The Evolution of Language
2. National and International Understandings of Functional Difference
3. Eugenics and Institutionalization
4. Historical and Sociopolitical Aspects of Defining and Treating People with Disabilities
5. Segregation: Historical, Political, Cultural, and Economic Implications
6. Media Portrayals of Disability: Representing Disability
7. Self-Determination and the Disability Rights Movement
8. Independent Living and Full Inclusion
9. Americans with Disabilities Act: Implications for Policy and Practice
10. The Olmstead Decision
11. Employment: Historical and Social Policy Perspectives
12. Public Education: From Segregation to Inclusion
13. Disability Commonalities and Diversity
14. Intersections of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Disability
15. Health Disparities among Different Populations
