Course Introduction

Hello, everyone, and welcome to RHS 100: Introduction to Disability Culture. I am very excited to have you on this journey this semester as we explore the world of disability culture. Throughout this course, we will learn about the social, cultural, and legal history of disability in the United States, as well as on a global level. We will cover key values needed to work effectively with people with disabilities; the importance of multicultural competency; societal barriers that hinder equal rights and wellbeing, including prejudice and stigma; disability legislation and policy; employment; and education. Finally, we will explore the use of assistive devices, accommodations, and accessibility of physical spaces and technology, so all people are able to live a satisfactory, autonomous life.

I hope you find this class thought provoking, challenging, and fun. We will spend much of the course examining social media, film, and a variety of first-person, academic and policy narratives to examine the personal, historical, social, and cultural responses to disability. I expect for you to leave this course with a better understanding of the needs and aspirations of those living with disability, as well as the values and skills necessary to work effectively with people with disabilities. Finally, I hope this course will answer some of your questions (and challenge you to begin asking new questions!) about your interest in helping others and ignite the passion to promote change at the individual, community, national, and global levels.