Main Content
Syllabus
RHS 410: Employment Strategies for People With Disabilities
Develop knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to understand and practice effective employment strategies in working with people with disabilities.
Overview | Objectives | Materials | Library Resources | Technical Requirements | Course Requirements and Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Accommodating Disabilities | Additional Policies
Overview
The purpose of RHS 410, "Employment Strategies for People With Disabilities," is for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to understand and practice effective employment strategies to work with individuals with disabilities, including individuals from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. This course will incorporate assistive technology (AT) applications and accommodations, so students will be able to identify appropriate AT and devices in order to assist consumers in obtaining and retaining employment, and applicable strategies for working with employers in developing employment opportunities in today's world of work.
Course Objectives
- Develop an understanding of how to work effectively with employers in today's economy, including strategies for developing relationships with employers in state and local areas, identifying employer needs and skill demands, making initial employer contacts, presenting job-ready clients to potential employers, and conducting follow-up with employers.
- Become aware of and discuss how to utilize resources and tools in order for people with disabilities to obtain/maintain employment, including emerging consumer employment needs and trends on a regional, state, and national level, and develop an understanding of the current job market and changing world of work.
- Develop an understanding of various types of AT devices used in accommodations with individuals with disabilities and become familiar with community resources available to provide necessary resources/support(s).
- Develop skills in how to use different types of networking resources (LinkedIn, social media, professional organizations, etc.) for building your own professional contacts and networks, as well as using those resources for obtaining and retaining qualified employment for people with disabilities.
- Increase skills in using technology to acquire current labor market information.
- Develop an understanding of human resources and disability issues in the workplace (laws, policy, stigmas, accommodations, assistive technology, etc.).
- Develop an understanding of the cultural aspects of work (diversity in the workplace, cultural views of work, etc.).
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
APA Style Guide
In this course, all students are required to use APA Style. Penn State Libraries provides an APA Quick Citation Guide, which is a good place to start for basic citation/reference information. On the web site, the left-hand Overview menu is a great tool to guide you through any writing projects. There is also a link on the page that connects to the APA Style Blog for searching for more specific formatting answers (e.g., tables).
Technical Requirements
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
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| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Requirements and Grading
| Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
A |
93–100 |
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A- |
90–92.9 |
|
B+ |
87–89.9 |
|
B |
83–86.9 |
|
B- |
80–82.9 |
|
C+ |
77–79.9 |
|
C |
70–76.9 |
|
D |
60–69.9 |
|
F |
59.9 and below |
| Assignment | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Module Assignments | 35% |
| Quarterly Projects 1, 2, 3 | 15% each |
| Quarterly Project 4 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Module Assignments (35%): Module assignments will primarily consist of essay submissions and participation in class discussions. You must be prepared to include materials covered in the readings, videos, and so on.
Quarterly Projects (1, 2, and 3 at 15%; 4 at 20%): There will be quarterly projects due throughout the semester and based on content learned in each quarter. They involve four different personas developed from different disabilities, specific populations, and course content. All quarterly projects are to be completed individually.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
RHS 410 Course Schedule
Getting Started and Module 1: The Employment Environment
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Readings: |
Required
Optional
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Assignments: |
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Module 2: Lifetime Employability
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Readings: |
Required
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Assignments: |
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Module 3: Disability Types and Populations
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Readings: |
Required
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Assignments: |
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Quarterly Project 1: Impact of Disability
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Readings: |
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Assignments: |
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Module 4: Disability Laws, Insurance, and Policies
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Readings: |
Required
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Assignments: |
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Module 5: Preparing Employers
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Readings: |
Required
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Assignments: |
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Module 6: Understanding the Labor Market and Preparing Yourself
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Readings: |
Required
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Assignments: |
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Module 7: Where Are the Jobs?
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Readings: |
Required
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Assignments: |
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Quarterly Project 2: Employment Environment
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Readings: |
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Assignments: |
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Module 8: Identifying the Best Job Matches
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Readings: |
This week, please read the materials in the following order: Career Interest Assessments
Note: Both readings are focused on transition-aged youth, but their concepts apply to PWD no matter their age or situation. Transferable Skills Analyses
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Assignments: |
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Module 9: Putting It Into Practice
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Readings: |
Required
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Assignments: |
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Quarterly Project 3: Peter's Journey
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Readings: |
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Assignments: |
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Module 10: Accommodations and Healthy Workplaces
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Readings: |
Required
Optional
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Assignments: |
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Quarterly Project 4: End of Semester Summary
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Readings: |
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Assignments: |
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Veterans
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Privacy Notice
In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.Counseling and Psychological Services
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
Reporting Bias
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
Safe Zone Statement
The instructor is a member of the Penn State Safe Zone Ally Network, and she is available to listen and support you in a safe and confidential manner. As a Safe Zone Ally, she can help you connect with resources on campus to address problems you may face that interfere with your academic and social success on campus as it relates to issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. Her goal is to help you be successful and to maintain a safe and equitable campus.
For more information, visit Student Affairs. Students who reside close to the Penn State University Park campus may visit the Penn State LGBTQA Student Resource Center in 101 Boucke Building.
Person-First Language
Use of person-first language is required. For example, when describing a person with terminal cancer, use the phrase “person with stage IV brain cancer,” not “cancer victim.” Say “person with diabetes type 1,” not “diabetic patient.” Also refrain from using words like victim or suffers from. In other words, focus on the person, not the illness or disability. This may take some getting used to, but make sure you focus on this area, as points may be deducted for not using language appropriately. The People-First Language page from the Employer Assistance and Resource Network has more detail and a list of suggested terms.
Student Responsibilities and Conduct
- Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
- Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
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Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
- Requests for taking exams or submitting assignments after the due dates require documentation of events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
- Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
- Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
- Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
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For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
- Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
- Penn State Principles
Late Policy
Students will be deducted 10% every week an assignment is late. Work more than three weeks late will not be accepted. If you are having difficulty completing an assignment on time, or there is an emergency that prevents you from completing your work on time, please email the instructor as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made for you to keep up in the class.The instructor will review late requests and circumstances on a case by case basis and make decisions accordingly. The late policy may be waived at the instructor's discretion in case of an emergency. Emergencies are defined as anything which is serious and unexpected including: hospitalization, childbirth, major accident, injury, or bereavement. Examples of non-emergencies include: weddings, vacations, work training, conferences or any other event which can and should be planned around. If there has been an emergency that will hinder your ability to complete your work in a timely manner, please let the instructor know within 48 hours of the event so arrangements can possibly be made. Waiting beyond this time frame to contact the instructor may not be acceptable and will likely cause you to lose points on your work. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor, and if working in a group your group members, as soon as possible if you cannot complete an assignment on time so that the instructor/group members can assist you as best they can. It is NOT appropriate to attempt to contact the instructor/group members last minute (12 hours before deadline) to report personal, group or technological issues. Furthermore, emailing the instructor last minute before a deadline to say an assignment will be late and not hearing back from the instructor does not mean that the assignment will be accepted without penalty. Students have semester long access to the syllabus and course schedule, Canvas and the Canvas calendar to plan accordingly.
Professor Grading Policy
Please do not ask if the instructor will increase your grade, or if there is anything you can do to increase your grade at the end of the semester. Definitely do not ask the instructor to change your grade once grades are submitted at the end of the semester. While it is the instructor’s responsibility to grade your work fairly and provide you with timely feedback, it is your responsibility to work hard, ask questions of assignments you do not understand, manage your classes appropriately, and check your grades frequently. The one exception about contacting the instructor about a grade change would be in the case where the instructor made a grade recording error for an assignment and/or the final grade.
Email Policy
Students must check their Canvas email at least once a day. The instructor and classmates main way to communicate is through email. Students not checking their email in a timely manner does not mean he/she will be excused from submitting assignments incorrectly/late. The instructor will check his/her Canvas email throughout the day Monday - Friday. The instructor may only check email once daily Saturday/Sunday. The instructor reserves the right to take 24 hours to respond to a student email request. If you do not hear from the instructor after 24 hours, then assume the email was not received and contact the instructor again. Furthermore, the instructor appreciates the same 24 hour response time from students. If you are having difficulty completing an assignment the night it is due, emailing the instructor after 7pm ET does not mean your assignment may not be considered late. Therefore, it is highly important that you begin your work early in the week, and do not wait until the weekend to begin.
Possible Changes in Syllabus
Unanticipated circumstances may require slight changes in the syllabus. The instructor has the discretion to make changes or modifications to the syllabus if needed; however, you will be notified of these changes, and deadlines may be adjusted accordingly.