Perspectives on Disability: Advocacy, Access, and Inclusion

Catalog description

This course explores the historical, legal, and social dimensions of disability, examining how individuals with disabilities navigate education, employment, and daily life. Students will investigate the evolution of disability advocacy, legal frameworks such as the ADA and IDEA, and the process of qualifying for accommodations. The course covers a range of disabilities, including learning and communication disorders, autism, sensory and physical impairments, and low-incidence disabilities. Students will critically assess the role of inclusive practices, multi-tiered systems of support, and evidence-based interventions versus pseudoscience. Additional focus is given to culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as career pathways in disability-related fields. Through readings, discussions, and case studies, students will develop a deeper understanding of disability as a social construct and the barriers to full participation in society.