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Disability Awareness and Support

Mary Goldberg

The goal of this course is to promote equal opportunity and the full participation of students with disabilities in higher education by helping participants advance their awareness of the meaning of accessibility in education. Participants will gain competence and confidence in working with students by focusing on legislation, universal design, and assistive technologies. Thank you to Abbas (Bobby) Husain Quamar, Graduate Student Researcher in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh, for his contributions to the course.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Students come to our higher education classrooms with a wide variety of knowledge, skills, talents, and abilities. As educators, we want all of our students to be successful and feel supported in an inclusive learning environment. Many of our students have disabilities that they may or may not disclose to faculty and staff. Typically, the process of providing required documentation and identifying appropriate accommodations is a collaborative effort between the student and the disability services staff. Faculty are not a part of this process and may not be aware of the rationale or implications. In this week, we will begin with an introduction to students with disabilities. Week 1 highlights the key United States legislation that relates to higher education students with disabilities and describes the process of obtaining support services.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores key United States legislation that relates to higher education students with disabilities
Describes the process of obtaining support services for students with disabilities
Focuses on the design and development of course materials to make them meaningful and useful for all students
Instructors are recognized for their work in the field of disability services
Promotes the full participation of students with disabilities in higher education
Teaches skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to students working with students with disabilities

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Reviews summary

Disability support in higher education

Based on the course materials, this course provides an introduction to supporting students with disabilities in higher education. It covers key United States legislation related to disability services, details the process for obtaining support services, and explores reasonable accommodations and assistive technologies. The course also delves into universal design principles for creating accessible course materials. Learning is reinforced through case studies and discussion questions, offering a way to apply the concepts learned. While covering foundational topics for educators, prospective international learners should note the focus on US law.
Covers US-specific disability laws
"I learned about key United States legislation relating to higher education students with disabilities."
"The course highlights the legal framework for disability support in the US."
"Understanding the US laws was crucial for my work."
Content tailored for university staff
"The course is clearly designed for faculty and staff interacting with students."
"It focuses on the role of educators in supporting students with disabilities."
"This course provides relevant information for those working in higher education."
Learn through case studies & discussions
"The case studies help apply the concepts to real-world situations."
"Discussing the questions on the discussion board solidified my understanding."
"I appreciated the opportunity to think through scenarios using the case studies."
Learn principles of universal design
"The focus on universal design was really helpful for making my materials accessible."
"I learned best practices for creating accessible documents and course content."
"Implementing universal design principles is a key takeaway from this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Disability Awareness and Support with these activities:
Review ADA legislation
Review prior knowledge of the ADA in preparation for the course
Browse courses on Americans with Disabilities Act
Show steps
  • Re-read the text of the ADA
  • Review the major sections of the ADA
  • Read summaries of cases involving the ADA
Review mathematical notation
Review basic mathematical notation and terminology, includes mathematical operators, functions, and formulas.
Browse courses on Mathematical Notation
Show steps
  • Read a chapter on mathematical notation in any general mathematics textbook.
  • Watch online videos and tutorials on mathematical notation.
  • Practice solving simple mathematical problems.
Learn about universal design
Learn principles of universal design to understand how inclusive design practices can benefit all users.
Browse courses on Universal Design
Show steps
  • Watch online tutorials and videos on Universal Design.
  • Read articles on Universal Design and its benefits.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Compile Disability Resource List
Assemble a list of disability services, resources, and accommodations available to students with disabilities. This will help you become more familiar with the support systems in place and be better equipped to assist students with disabilities.
Show steps
  • Explore your university's website and disability services office
  • Review university policies and procedures
  • Collect information on accommodations
Accessibility Best Practices Tutorial
Obtain knowledge and skills by following an online tutorial on best practices for accessible design. This will help you create course materials that are inclusive and meet the needs of all learners.
Browse courses on Universal Design
Show steps
  • Identify a reputable tutorial or online course
  • Set aside time to complete the tutorial
  • Take notes and apply what you learn
Assistive Technology Demonstration
Enhance your understanding by trying out assistive technologies firsthand. This will provide practical insights into how these tools can support students with disabilities in the classroom.
Browse courses on Assistive Technology
Show steps
  • Consult with disability services or your university's IT department
  • Schedule a demonstration or borrow assistive technology devices
  • Use the devices and explore their features
Develop an inclusive lesson plan
Utilize universal design principles to create an accessible and inclusive lesson plan that meets the needs of diverse learners.
Browse courses on Lesson Planning
Show steps
  • Research best practices for inclusive lesson planning.
  • Apply universal design principles to lesson plan development.
  • Create a draft inclusive lesson plan.
  • Get feedback on the lesson plan.
  • Revise and finalize lesson plan.
Attend a workshop on assistive technology
Attend workshops to learn about assistive technologies and strategies to support students with disabilities in higher education.
Browse courses on Assistive Technology
Show steps
  • Find and register for a workshop on assistive technology.
  • Attend the workshop and take notes.
  • Reflect on the workshop and identify ways to apply what you learned.
Volunteer at a local disability service organization
Gain practical experience working with individuals with disabilities and learn about the challenges they face.
Show steps
  • Find a local disability service organization and inquire about volunteering opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer training and orientation.
  • Volunteer at the organization and assist with various activities.

Career center

Learners who complete Disability Awareness and Support will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teachers work with students who have disabilities. They develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for each student, and they work with students to help them reach their academic and developmental goals. Completion of "Disability Awareness and Support" would demonstrate a foundational understanding of the legal and ethical dimensions of educating students with disabilities, and it would also introduce candidates to essential strategies for working with students who have been diagnosed with different types of disabilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher
Disability Advocate
Disability Advocates work to protect the rights of people with disabilities. They may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or law firms. Coursework in "Disability Awareness and Support" would provide an excellent foundation for a career as a Disability Advocate, as it provides candidates with a comprehensive introduction to the legal and ethical dimensions of disability, as well as strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Advocate
Learning Specialist
Learning Specialists work with students who have learning disabilities. They help students develop strategies to overcome their challenges and succeed in school. Many Learning Specialists go on to become special education teachers. Coursework in "Disability Awareness and Support" would provide a solid foundation for a career as a Learning Specialist. This course introduces the major categories of disabilities, the legislation that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, and strategies for supporting students with disabilities in higher education settings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Specialist
Disability Policy Analyst
Disability Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect people with disabilities. They work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and think tanks. "Disability Awareness and Support" coursework would provide a solid foundation for this career, as it introduces candidates to the major categories of disabilities, the legislation that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, and strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Policy Analyst
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities to live independently and achieve their goals. They work with clients to develop rehabilitation plans, provide support and counseling, and connect them with resources. "Disability Awareness and Support" coursework would provide a solid foundation for this career, as it introduces candidates to the major categories of disabilities, the legislation that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, and strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities to find and keep jobs. They work with clients to assess their skills and interests, develop job training plans, and place them in jobs. "Disability Awareness and Support" coursework would be useful for this role by providing vocational rehabilitation counselors with a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in finding and keeping a job.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop and deliver educational materials and programs. They work with subject matter experts to create learning materials that are engaging and effective. "Disability Awareness and Support" could be useful for this role by providing instructional designers with a better understanding of the needs of students with disabilities and how to create accessible learning materials. A strong grasp of assistive technologies and accessible design, as taught in "Disability Awareness and Support," is highly valued in the field of Instructional Design.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Disability Services Coordinator
Disability Services Coordinators work with students with disabilities to ensure that they have the accommodations and support they need to succeed in higher education. Coursework from "Disability Awareness and Support" could help a candidate for this role by providing them with a holistic view of the types of disabilities that students might experience and how institutions of higher education are required to support them.
See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Services Coordinator
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people who have difficulty moving or performing physical activities due to injury, illness, or disability. They work with patients to improve their range of motion, strength, and balance. "Disability Awareness and Support" coursework could be useful for this role by providing physical therapists with a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people who have difficulty performing everyday activities due to physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. They work with patients to improve their physical function, cognitive skills, and ability to perform daily activities. "Disability Awareness and Support" coursework could be useful for this role by providing occupational therapists with a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists work with people who have difficulty communicating. They assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. "Disability Awareness and Support" coursework could be useful for this role by providing speech-language pathologists with a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
School Counselor
School Counselors work with students to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They provide counseling and support to students with disabilities, as well as students who are facing other challenges. "Disability Awareness and Support" coursework could be useful for this role by providing school counselors with a better understanding of the needs of students with disabilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of colleges and universities. They work with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that the institution is running smoothly and that students are getting the support they need to succeed. They may also work with external stakeholders, such as government agencies and donors, to build relationships and secure funding. "Disability Awareness and Support" coursework teaches higher education administrators about legal and ethical considerations related to disability, which is essential for ensuring that they are creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisors work one-on-one with students to assist them with the transition process into and out of an academic institution. They help plan out a student's path to degree completion, help students overcome challenges, and help them develop responsible decision-making skills. This "Disability Awareness and Support" course may be useful for Academic Advisors. Disability Awareness training can help them to better understand the needs of students with disabilities and to develop strategies to support them. It can also help them to create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Advisor
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. They are responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training employees. They also develop and implement policies and procedures related to employee benefits, compensation, and performance management. "Disability Awareness and Support" could be useful for this role by providing managers with a better understanding of the needs of employees with disabilities and how to create a more inclusive workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Disability Awareness and Support.
Cover image
The Biopolitics of Disability
Save
Provides a historical overview of disability and higher education in the United States. It useful reference for understanding the legal and social context of disability.
The Matter of Disability: Materiality, Biopolitics,...
Paperback
$$
The Biopolitics of Disability: Neoliberalism,...
Paperback
$$$
The Matter of Disability: Materiality, Biopolitics,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Exceptional Learners
Save
Provides a practical guide to inclusive teaching, which is the practice of teaching students with disabilities in general education classrooms. It valuable resource for any educator who wants to create a more inclusive learning environment.
Exceptional Learners
Paperback
Check
Exceptional Learners
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Teaching Students with Moderate and Severe...
Save
This practical guide provides educators with strategies for supporting students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms.
Teaching Students with Moderate and Severe...
Hardcover
$$$
Teaching Students with Moderate and Severe...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone
Save
Provides a practical guide to implementing universal design in higher education. It useful resource for educators who want to make their courses more accessible.
Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design...
Paperback
$$
Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
New Directions in Special Education
Save
Provides an overview of special education policy in the United States, with a focus on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
New Directions in Special Education
Paperback
Check
New Directions in Special Education
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
What Really Works for Children with Autism
Save
This guide provides educators with information on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and strategies for supporting students with ASD in educational settings.
What Really Works for Children with Autism
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Cortical Visual Impairment
Save
This guide provides information on blindness and low vision, including causes, assessment, and intervention strategies.
Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to...
Paperback
$$$
Cortical Visual Impairment Advanced Principles
Paperback
$$$
Little Bear Sees: How Children with Cortical Visual...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Case-Smith's Occupational Therapy for Children and...
Save
This guide provides information on physical disability, including causes, assessment, and intervention strategies.
Case-Smith's Occupational Therapy for Children and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Case-Smith's Occupational Therapy for Children and...
Printed Access Code
$$$$
Cover image
The Disability Studies Reader
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of disability studies, a field that explores the social, cultural, and political aspects of disability. It useful resource for anyone who wants to learn more about disability.
The Disability Studies Reader
Paperback
Check
The Disability Studies Reader
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Why I Burned My Book
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of the disability rights movement in the United States. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the origins and evolution of this important movement.
Why I Burned My Book and Other Essays on Disability...
Paperback
$$
Why I Burned My Book (American Subjects)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Avengers
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social and cultural aspects of disability. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the ways in which disability is shaped by society.
The Avengers
Paperback
Check
The Avengers
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Disability and Society
Save
Provides a collection of essays that explore the social science perspectives on disability. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the ways in which disability is studied and understood by social scientists.
Disability and Society (Longman Sociology Series)
Paperback
$$$
Overcoming Disabling Barriers (Education Heritage)
Paperback
$$$
Disability and Society: Emerging Issues and...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Disability Studies Reader
Save
Collection of essays that explore the history, theory, and politics of disability. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about disability studies.
The Disability Studies Reader
Paperback
Check
The Disability Studies Reader
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
1-2 hours/week
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Institution
University of Pittsburgh
Instructor
Mary Goldberg
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores key United States legislation that relates to higher education students with disabilities
Describes the process of obtaining support services for students with disabilities
Focuses on the design and development of course materials to make them meaningful and useful for all students
Instructors are recognized for their work in the field of disability services
Promotes the full participation of students with disabilities in higher education
Teaches skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to students working with students with disabilities
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