INV 030 - INVEST Communication and Self-advocacy

Credits: 4
Variable Credit Course: No

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

Course Description: Students develop an understanding of the key differences between the child and adult service structures for people with disabilities. The course provides a framework for disclosure of disability in academic and career settings. Students will explore the advantages and disadvantages of disclosure while practicing self-advocacy skills in school and work-based environments. Students explore the differences between casual and professional communication and demonstrate effective communication strategies in higher education and employment settings.

Prerequisite: None.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Identify key differences between youth and adult service systems for people with disabilities.
Identify, explain, and demonstrate requesting reasonable accommodations.
List advantages and disadvantages of disclosure of disability in academic and work based settings.
Identify and demonstrate basic principles of interpersonal communication through performance-based activities, oral presentations, class discussions, and research/reflective written assignments.
Explain key differences between casual and professional communication.
Demonstrate active listening skills, asking questions, and giving feedback.

Course Contents

Dynamics of Communication
Oral Communication: listening, language, nonverbal
Managing Conflict
Differences between youth and adult services for people with disabilities
Reasonable accommodations
Disclosure of disability
Basic principles of interpersonal communication and self-advocacy

Instructional Units: 4