HSERV 121 - Introduction to Disabilities and Disability Law

Credits: 4
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Overview of disabilities and disability law. Topics include historical, current, and equitable rehabilitation techniques. (Required course for students seeking a Generalist degree).

Prerequisite: None.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Elective Requirements: Fulfills Gray Area Electives
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Discuss how the rehabilitation system has historically worked in this country and how it has changed over time.
Discuss historical views of people with disabilities and corresponding problems.
Discuss the different laws created to help people with disabilities gain equal access and opportunity.
Review the many different and controversial views on how services for people with disabilities should be provided.
Describe the importance of a “people first” perspective toward persons with disabilities in work and community living situations.
Explore your own attitudes and values regarding people with disabilities in our society.
Explore the concepts of stereotyping and labeling and their relation to disability issues.
Through the dynamics of self-examination and guest speakers, explore how student attitudes are affected when presented with new information and differing perspectives.

Course Contents

How the rehabilitation system has historically worked in this country and how it has changed over time.
Historical views of people with disabilities and corresponding problems.
The different laws created to help people with disabilities gain equal access and opportunity.
The many different and controversial views on how services for people with disabilities should be provided.
The importance of a “people first” perspective toward persons with disabilities in work and community living situations.
Attitudes and values regarding people with disabilities in our society.
The concepts of stereotyping and labeling and their relation to disability issues.
Through the dynamics of self-examination and guest speakers, how student attitudes are affected when presented with new information and differing perspectives.

Instructional Units: 4