Disability Studies

This course will facilitate your exploration of your own perceptions, biases and belief systems about disability. A values perspective encourages students to reflect on their personal, professional, cultural and political perceptions of the epistemology of the notion of disability. This course explores the social construction of concepts of ableism and identity and engages in historical analysis of disability (both domestically and internationally). You will learn definitions of disability, become familiar with legislation/policies that impact persons with disability (PWD), learn about the spectrum of disability and use critical theoretical perspectives. You will engage in critical dialogue around the representation of PWD in our culture. Using a person-in-environment perspective, you also will examine the Social Work Code of Ethics as it relates to PWD and explore various facets of self-determination, independent living, relationships and sexuality, and the role of family, power and privilege in the lives of persons with disabilities.