Course Description
Provides students with a foundation of knowledge in the field of disability studies. Students will gain an understanding of disability theory, history, laws and legislation, portrayal in the arts, inclusion, advocacy, and more. Assignments will allow students to tailor their learning to their areas of study/interest.
Athena Title
Introduction to Disability
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in IHDD 6001
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Course Learning Objectives: 1. Differentiate between theories/models of disability. 2. Identify the interaction between historical events and longstanding customs related to the treatment of people with disabilities and contemporary political, social, and economic issues. 3. Develop an awareness of disability as a diversity and civil rights issue. 4. Gain an understanding of personal beliefs about disability and analyze their origins. 5. Describe how historical, economic, political, social, and spatial relationships have developed, persisted, and changed over time related to people with disabilities. 6. Critically analyze portrayals of people with disabilities and assess social implications. 7. Describe the importance of inclusion and strengths-based approaches to support. 8. Increase interest in understanding, supporting, and advocating for people with disabilities in the future. 9. Demonstrate best practices in communicating about, and with, people with disabilities. 10. Comprehend and apply the findings of current research and reports on disability to the student’s discipline or program of study. 11. Increase understanding of current discourse on a disability- related topic of interest.
Topical Outline
The Social Construction of Disability Ableism and Oppression The Ugly Laws and Segregation Institutionalization Eugenics The Parents Movement and the Birth of Advocacy Self-Determination and the Disability Rights Movement Independent Living and Full Inclusion Disability as Diversity Intersections of Identity: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Disability Portrayals and Rhetoric Disability Culture Ending Segregation: Policy and Practice The Americans with Disabilities Act The Olmstead Decision Strengths-based Approaches and Empowerment Assistive Technology and Universal Design Building Strengths through Community Person-Centered Approaches for Social Change