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Institute
on Disability and Human Development
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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
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