By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Apply proper disability language and etiquette
2. Contrast differing models of disability
3. Examine ethical issues pertaining to the past, present, and 
future treatment of people with disabilities in society
4. Define and apply concepts of self-determination, community 
integration, and inclusion
5. Understand the role of advocacy in shaping U.S. disability 
policy
6. Interpret policies that impact people with disabilities
7. Investigate accessibility in their communities
8. Describe how labels and stigma create and reinforce 
stereotypes and representations
9. Explain how disability is a form of cultural diversity
10. Describe factors that impact the health, services, and 
quality of life of people with disabilities
11. Describe service delivery networks that serve people with 
disabilities in Georgia and nationally
12. Describe sub-populations within the disability community 
and areas for social work intervention and advocacy
13. Understand the role of the person and family on 
interdisciplinary teams

1. Introduction, Objectives, Expectations, Disability Etiquette
2. Models of Disability-Traditional, Medical, Rehabilitation, 
Social
3. History of Institutionalization, Segregation, and 
Reintegration
4. Disability Rights Movement; Disability Policy (including DD 
Act; IDEA; Georgia’s Developmental Disability Network: Georgia 
Advocacy Office, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities; 
University Centers on Developmental Disabilities; Centers for 
Independent Living)
5. Persistent Challenges: Accessibility of the Built Environment
6. Persistent Challenges: Navigating Social, Educational, and 
Informational Environments
7. Persistent Challenges: Roles and Representations of People 
with Disabilities, including Disability in the Media and 
Relationships and Sexuality
8. Persistent Challenges: Health Disparities; Research-related 
Challenges
9. Persistent Challenges: The Need for Cultural and Linguistic 
Competence
10. Disability Practice: Supporting Families Through the 
Diagnostic Process
11. Disability Practice: Working with People with Autism 
Spectrum Disorder
12. Disability Practice: Working with People with Head and 
Spinal Cord Injuries
13. Disability Practice: Working with People with Intellectual 
and Developmental Disabilities
14. Disability Practice: Working with Children with Special 
Health Care Needs
15. Disability Practice: Interdisciplinary Teaming to Support 
People with Disabilities and Their Families (Elevating the 
Family and Patient’s Role)
16. Disability Practice: Resource Linkages and Assistive 
Technology
17. Disability Practice: Education and Employment
18. Disability Practice: Advocacy and Self-Advocacy