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Academic Programs

The Department of Disability and Human Development offers a Master of Science degree designed to prepare students for leadership in human services, as well as research and scholarship in the disability field. Specializations include Disability Studies/Social Policy and Rehabilitation Technology. Doctoral studies are available through an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Disability Studies in the College of Applied Health Sciences.

Master of Science in Disability and Human Development is a graduate program where students learn about disability. Students come from all over the world to focus on:

Disability Ethics
Traditional bioethics approaches are challenged when confronted by the complex issues surrounding disability. Study in disability ethics addresses traditional bioethics frameworks within the context of disability studies, thus critiquing and expanding current approaches in ethics practice, research, and conceptual analysis. The area of study prepares individuals to be thoughtful about issues of disability ethics and to serve as resources within their work environment.

Health Promotion
A new and emerging challenge is promoting the health and addressing the health needs of persons with disabilities. Traditionally, health and disability have been viewed as mutually exclusive characteristics; the Health Promotion program views health as multi-dimensional and optimal health as a worthy goal for all persons. The program area prepares students for careers in health promotion an disability, including leadership positions in health and wellness centers that focus on services for persons with disabilities and chronic health conditions.

Organizations and Leadership
The need for management personnel in non-profit organizations with advanced knowledge of disability policy and skills in administration is significant and growing. The Organizations and Leadership program focuses on middle management personnel, combining training on leadership and organization theory, with practical management skills relevant to the disability non-profit organization, and integrated with interdisciplinary training on theories of disablement, historical and contemporary disability issues, and knowledge of state and national disability programs.

Disability Studies and Social Policy
The Disability Studies and Social Policy specialization offers opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarship guided by a social model which views disability as deriving from a complex interplay of social, cultural, political, economic, and biological determinants. The focus is on understanding disability phenomena in the context of social practices and cultural values about human differences. This specialization offers students a broad range of content in the study of disability, from coursework that examines disability representations in the the arts, literature, history, and philosophy to coursework that examines the complex legal, regulatory, and programmatic environment in which disability services and supports are provided.

Rehabilitation Technology
Rehabilitation Technology is an interdisciplinary field where therapists, engineers, and consumers work together to maximize the independence of individuals with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Technology area of concentration enables students to participate in coursework that comprehensively covers the spectrum of devices in the field, and the methods to measure their effectiveness. Elective courses offer the student the opportunity to delve more deeply into specific areas, such as computers, communication, seating, and mobility. Courses are taught by instructors active in service delivery, and traineeships are available to permit significant clinical exposure.

Students learn about the disability service system and policies, advocacy, research, assistive technology and much more. The program takes 2-3 years to complete.

Doctor of Philosophy in Disability Studies is for the advanced study of disability. Students look at disability in many different ways to learn how to create a better environment for people with disabilities. Students are trained to do advanced research or teach at the college level. The program takes 3-7 years to complete.

Continuing Education Programs:

The Assistive Technology Certificate Program is designed for working professionals to learn more about the different technology that can help people with disabilities lead more independent lives. This is an option for people who want to learn more without going through the full Masters' degree program. Students choose 4 out of 6 classes to take. More information.

The Disability Ethics Certificate Program provides students and professionals with an understanding of the complex issues surrounding disability. This program prepares people to be thoughtful about issues of disability ethics and to be good resources within their work environment. The program offers 4 classes in a row to be taken over a 2 year period.

Students' Resources

Institute on Disability and Human Development
Department of Disability and Human Development
College of Applied Health Sciences
1640 W. Roosevelt Road, MC 626
Chicago IL 60608