Courses :: Module, DISABILITY STUDIES

	Overview
	Disability Studies is a unique course for people working or wanting to be employed in the disability sector. It attracts both disabled and non-disabled students eager to understand oppression, exclusion and the politics of disability. The course is participative and develops the student's understanding of the subject through a series of intertwining modules. The modules enable students to gain knowledge of current theories and debates of disability, along with tutorials on Independent Living, universal access, social inclusion and general equality issues. It critiques assumptions and discourses surrounding disability. On completion students will have explored such topics as models of disability (medical vs social), legislation, access, gender, sexuality, equality issues among others.

Overview

Disability Studies is a unique course for people working or wanting to be employed in the disability sector. It attracts both disabled and non-disabled students eager to understand oppression, exclusion and the politics of disability. The course is participative and develops the student's understanding of the subject through a series of intertwining modules. The modules enable students to gain knowledge of current theories and debates of disability, along with tutorials on Independent Living, universal access, social inclusion and general equality issues. It critiques assumptions and discourses surrounding disability. On completion students will have explored such topics as models of disability (medical vs social), legislation, access, gender, sexuality, equality issues among others.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: � Critically evaluate their perceptions of disability. Reviewing the role of welfare, oppression, social divisions and the influence of the media. � Explore and critique the barriers to inclusion including the individual and social model. Be familiar with examples of how people with disabilities are excluded and in this context consider education, employment, transport, housing and social activities Review and assess various types of advocacy. Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to effect change in attitudes including their own. Explore the way in which Independent Living can advance the role people with disabilities play in society. Highlighting institutionalisation, policies towards independent living, care vs independence, Direct Payments and consultation. Write scholarly assignments that show: clarity of ideas, evidence based knowledge, critique of subject content and competence in academic referencing. Share experience and learn from each other.

Learning Outcomes

	Additional Reading
	A selection of some useful readings: Barnes, C., Oliver, M. and Barton, L. 2004: Implementing the social model of disability: Theory and research. Leeds: The Disability Press. Brown, D., Gertig, P. & Gilman, M. with Anderson, J.C. & Powell, S. (2014) Accessing social and leisure activities – barriers to inclusion experienced by visually impaired people. Disabling Barriers – Enabling Environments, (3rd ed.) London: Sage, pp. 214-21. Cameron, C (2014) Disability studies. London: Sage Central Statistics Office (2011) www.cso.ie/census Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities (1996) Doyle, A. (2003) Ch. 1 Disability policy in Ireland in S. Quin and B. Redmond (eds) Disability and social policy in Ireland. Dublin: UCD Press. Toolan D. (2003) Ch. 13 Towards free and inclusive societies for people with disabilities in S. Quin and B. Redmond (eds.) Disability and social policy in Ireland. Dublin: UCD Press. UPIAS (1976) Fundamental principles of disability, London: Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation. (Also available on *) Wendell, S. (1996) The rejected body: Feminist philosophical reflections on disability. London: Routledge. Wendell, S. (2001) Unhealthy disabled: Treating chronic illnesses as disabilities* Hypatia: Vol 16 No. 4 Autumn pp 17-33

Additional Reading

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Adult Education Department.

Timetable

Search form

Courses / Module

DISABILITY STUDIES