Addresses issues considered critical in disability studies.
Foundations of disability studies, including disability
theories, models, definitions, ethics, laws, and culture, will
be explored. Social changes in values, perception, and practice
over time are examined and discussed.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students will complete a ten-page research paper
focusing on policy, funding, or services impacting individuals
with disabilities, or develop a ten-page grant proposal for a
disability-related project.
Athena Title
Critical Issues Disability St
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
IHDD 2001
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will have knowledge of evolving critical issues relevant to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Students will understand how disabilities have been defined and how these definitions affect service delivery to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Students will understand current and past state and federal policies affecting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Students will have knowledge of key legislation related to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Students will understand the importance of social attitudes, beliefs, and behavior toward people with disabilities.
Students will have an appreciation for the need and right to options and freedom of choice in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
Students will expand awareness of multicultural issues through understanding components of culturally competent service delivery and knowledge of the national demographic profile of individuals with disabilities from many cultural backgrounds.
Topical Outline
Defining Disability
Models/theories of Disability
Labeling
Social Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behavior
Disability, Poverty, and Disparities
Poster Children
Normalization and Social Role Valorization
Deaf Culture
Medical Ethics
Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Inclusion
Independent Living and Civil Rights
Institutional Competencies
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
