5 credits

Working with people with disabilities represents an exciting and evolving opportunity for human services professional practitioners. In this introductory course, students use their practitioner lens to explore disability in the context of community inclusion and human rights. Students examine and debunk common myths related to disabilities before going on to trace the history of the disability system, including the abuse and neglect that occurred in 20th-century institutions. Students research different types of disabilities and the characteristics, challenges, and abilities inherent in them. Applied assignments involving simulations, legislative advocacy, and outreach to nonprofit leaders highlight the role of human services professional practitioners as partners and advocates. Students can come away from the course with a foundation for continuing their disability studies.