Overview of Course

“Disabled or Differently Abled.” Joe Dodson

As a society, it is inherent upon us to support people with disabilities so that they may live a full, inclusive, and productive life. This course will apply a historical, legal, interdisciplinary, and multicultural perspective to develop your understanding of the strengths, needs, and challenges of individuals with disabilities. Our focus will be relevant to future careers in education, human services, health, business, and the legal professions. Specific attention will be given to ways in which a disability may be viewed as a form of diversity. Important concepts including the social construction of disability, self-determination, inclusion, collaboration with diverse families, and person-centered planning will be explored.

We will learn about evidence-based prevention and intervention practices of commonly occurring disabilities and health conditions (e.g. developmental and intellectual disabilities, learning and emotional disabilities, congenital and sensory disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, diabetes, and mobility impairments that may lead to disability) and the related service delivery systems. As we learn about and visit each of the countries on the Spring 2023 Semester at Sea voyage, you will examine and compare how disability is viewed by people in the context of life span development, family, education, health, culture, society, and environment.