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George Cristopher, Islay Mactaggart, Myroslava Tataryn, Dorothy Boggs, Hannah Kuper, Josie Gallo, Sarah Polack, Dominic Forrest, Tim O'Fallon, Shaffa Hameed, Phil Sheppard, Morgon Banks, Tess B, Jane Wilbur, Sarah Wallace, Ant Duttine, Goli Hashemi, Tracey Smythe, Mark Spreckley, Siamand Salehian, Nathaniel Scherer, and Sally Parsley

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone with a professional or personal interest in disability as it relates to health, rehabilitation, international development and humanitarian assistance. There is a particular focus on low and middle income countries – both in the content of the course and the target learners. You can use the hashtag #FLhealthdisability to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone with a professional or personal interest in disability as it relates to health, rehabilitation, international development and humanitarian assistance. There is a particular focus on low and middle income countries – both in the content of the course and the target learners. You can use the hashtag #FLhealthdisability to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The magnitude of disability and relevance of disability to the global development agenda
  • Defining disability and how it can be understood and measured
  • The challenges to health and wellbeing amongst people with disabilities and why people with disabilities might have poorer health
  • Why people with disabilities may have difficulty in accessing health services
  • Links among longer term health conditions and disability
  • How to improve access to health care and rehabilitation for people with disabilities
  • Community based inclusive development for improving access to health and rehabilitation for people with disabilities

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive global health & disability overview

According to learners, this course offers an exceptionally well-structured and comprehensive overview of global health and disability, with a crucial focus on low and middle-income countries. Students consistently praise the highly knowledgeable and engaging instructors from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who present complex topics with clarity and empathy. While the course provides invaluable insights and actionable knowledge for professionals in public health and international development, some learners noted that discussion forums could be more active and a few supplementary resources might need updating. Overall, it's considered a highly relevant and impactful learning experience.
Course structure facilitates understanding of complex topics.
"I found the pacing to be just right, allowing enough time to absorb the complex topics."
"The course is meticulously designed, and the expertise of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine shines through."
"A wonderfully comprehensive course that tackles a critically important subject. The blend of academic rigor and practical relevance was perfect."
Delivered by highly knowledgeable and engaging professionals.
"The lectures by experts from LSHTM are clear, concise, and highly engaging."
"The instructors are clearly experts in their field and their passion for the subject shines through."
"The lecturers were superb, presenting complex information clearly and empathetically. This course has profoundly impacted my understanding..."
Deeply explores global health and disability with a focus on LMICs.
"This course was an incredible learning experience! The content is exceptionally well-structured and delves deep into the nuances of disability within a global health context, particularly focusing on low and middle-income countries."
"Absolutely brilliant! The course material is comprehensive, up-to-date, and presented in a very accessible manner. I appreciated the careful handling of sensitive topics..."
"As a public health professional, I found this course incredibly relevant and timely. The focus on low-income settings is crucial, and the course delivered actionable insights..."
A few supplementary links or data points may require updating.
"While most of the supplementary materials were excellent, I did come across a couple of external links that were broken or led to outdated reports."
"My only minor suggestion would be to ensure all external links are up-to-date, as a few I encountered were no longer active."
"Some of the data cited felt a little old, and I was hoping for more recent statistics and contemporary policy debates."
Some learners desired more active peer interaction in discussions.
"My only minor critique is that some of the discussion prompts in the forums didn't always generate much activity, which meant less peer interaction than I'd hoped for."
"While the content is high quality, the presentation could be more dynamic. Also, the discussion forums were quite sparse, which made it difficult to engage with other learners..."
"I felt some of the discussion forums felt less active than I had hoped for, limiting peer interaction and different viewpoints."

Career center

Learners who complete Global Health and Disability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 45 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 Global Health and Disability.
Considered a classic and a must-read in the field, this reader provides a comprehensive overview of key theoretical approaches and essential writings in disability studies. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and is invaluable for both gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge across various disciplines related to disability. The most recent editions include contemporary perspectives.
Explores the concept of the right to health from a global perspective. It examines the ethical, legal, and political dimensions of healthcare access and provides case studies from around the world.
Explores the stark health inequalities that exist within and between countries. It argues that these inequalities are rooted in social and economic factors and that addressing them requires a multi-sectoral approach.
Provides a framework for policymakers to improve access to health care for all Americans. It identifies key barriers to access and recommends policy solutions to address them.
A must-read for understanding the development of disability studies as a field. provides a strong foundation by arguing for disability as a social and political identity. It is essential for students and professionals seeking to understand the shift from a medical to a social model of disability.
Delves into contemporary topics by exploring the concept of disability justice, particularly centering the experiences of queer, trans, Black, and brown disabled people. It provides a deeper understanding of the intersections of disability with other social justice movements. This is valuable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in critical disability studies and activism.
This textbook offers a comprehensive approach to the rehabilitation management of adult patients. It integrates basic surgical, medical, and therapeutic interventions, making it a valuable resource for understanding how to develop and implement treatment plans. It widely used textbook in physical therapy programs and serves as a strong reference for practitioners.
This definitive resource for hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, covering a wide range of conditions and treatment techniques. It is considered a must-read for hand therapists and provides specialized, in-depth knowledge.
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Offers a broad historical understanding of disability in the United States, tracing its evolution and the experiences of disabled people through different eras. It provides essential background knowledge for anyone studying disability from a historical or social science perspective.
Provides a historical account of the disability rights movement in the United States, highlighting the activism and efforts of disabled people in fighting for their rights. It classic text for understanding the history and political struggles of the disability community.
A well-regarded textbook in neurological rehabilitation, this book offers a comprehensive overview of assessment and treatment techniques for individuals with neurological deficits. It is commonly used in academic programs and key reference for clinicians.
Crucial read for understanding the international disability rights movement and the concept of self-advocacy. It provides a historical and global perspective on disability oppression and the fight for empowerment. It valuable resource for students and activists alike.
Provides a historical account of discriminatory laws that prohibited people with apparent disabilities from appearing in public. It offers a deep understanding of the historical roots of ableism and segregation. This classic text for understanding the history of disability rights and discrimination.
A fundamental text in rehabilitation, this book focuses on the principles and techniques of therapeutic exercise. It's essential for understanding the practical application of exercise in rehabilitation settings. is often used as a core textbook for students and valuable reference for clinicians designing exercise programs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive the healthcare they need. It examines the barriers to healthcare, such as poverty, lack of insurance, discrimination, and geographical constraints. It also examines the role of healthcare systems, policies, and interventions in improving access to care.
Examines the persistent racial and ethnic disparities in health care in the United States. It identifies the root causes of these disparities and proposes solutions to address them.
Explores the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. It argues that addressing the social determinants of health is essential for improving health equity.
Bridges the gap between motor control research and clinical practice in rehabilitation. It provides a deeper understanding of how motor skills are learned and recovered, which is fundamental to many rehabilitation approaches. It is valuable for those seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding and its practical application.
A widely respected resource in sports medicine, this book provides in-depth coverage of sports injuries, their diagnosis, and management. It is highly relevant for those interested in sports rehabilitation and serves as a comprehensive reference for a wide range of injuries.
Examines the concept of 'cure' and its implications from a disability perspective. It offers a critical look at societal attitudes towards disability and the desire to 'fix' disabled bodies. This valuable read for deepening understanding of the social and ethical dimensions of disability.
Addresses the specific needs of athletes in rehabilitation, focusing on injury prevention and return to performance. It integrates sports science with rehabilitation techniques, making it highly relevant for those in sports rehabilitation. It's a valuable resource for understanding specialized rehabilitation approaches.
Delves into the theoretical underpinnings of disability studies, offering a more advanced exploration of key concepts and debates within the field. It is suitable for graduate-level students and researchers seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding of disability.
Dives into a contemporary topic by examining ableism within the context of higher education. It is highly relevant for students and professionals in education and highlights systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals in academic settings.
A recent publication that engages with contemporary topics and future possibilities from a disability justice perspective. It offers insights into building resilient communities and imagining a more inclusive future. is valuable for those interested in the ongoing evolution of disability activism and theory.
Delves into the principles of neurological rehabilitation, focusing on motor control and learning. It's a key resource for those interested in the rehabilitation of individuals with neurological conditions. It provides depth in a specific area of rehabilitation and is valuable for both students and practitioners.
A cornerstone text in occupational therapy, this book focuses on practice skills for individuals with physical dysfunction. It provides a comprehensive overview of occupational therapy interventions in rehabilitation. This widely used textbook in occupational therapy programs and a valuable reference for OT practitioners.
A comprehensive handbook covering various topics in rehabilitation psychology, this book valuable reference for understanding the psychological impact of disability and chronic illness. It provides in-depth information on assessment and intervention strategies.
This collection explores contemporary topics by analyzing the intersection of disability and design history. It provides a unique perspective on how designed objects and spaces shape understandings of ability and disability. is valuable for those interested in the material culture and historical context of disability.
Provides an evidence-based approach to the use of physical agents in rehabilitation. It practical guide for understanding how modalities like heat, cold, and electrical stimulation can be incorporated into treatment plans. It serves as a useful reference tool for clinicians.
Explores the intricate connection between psychological factors and physical health and illness, a critical aspect of rehabilitation. It provides valuable insights into how psychological interventions can support the rehabilitation process. It adds a crucial psychological dimension to understanding the patient experience.
Explores the portrayal of disability in fairy tales and its impact on cultural perceptions. It offers a unique perspective on how narratives shape our understanding of disability and the importance of creating space for disabled characters and stories. This valuable read for understanding cultural representations of disability.
Examines the unique challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in rural America. It provides recommendations for policymakers and providers to improve healthcare delivery in rural communities.
This memoir offers a personal and accessible entry into understanding the experience of living with a disability. It provides a broad understanding through relatable anecdotes and reflections on everyday life, ableism, and self-worth. It good supplementary read for gaining personal perspective.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of rehabilitation counseling, covering its history, principles, and practice. It is valuable for understanding the counseling aspects of rehabilitation and the role of rehabilitation counselors. It adds breadth by covering a specific professional role within rehabilitation.
Offers a concise and accessible introduction to the topic of disability, suitable for gaining a broad understanding. It covers key concepts and historical context, making it a good starting point for those new to the field. It's helpful for providing background or prerequisite knowledge.
This book, while focusing on cultural clashes in healthcare, offers a powerful case study that highlights issues relevant to disability, particularly regarding medical understanding, cultural beliefs, and communication. It can deepen understanding of the complexities faced by individuals with disabilities and their families within healthcare systems.
Providing a broad overview of athletic training, this book covers injury prevention, assessment, and management. It offers foundational knowledge relevant to sports rehabilitation and good starting point for understanding the athletic training perspective.
Understanding biomechanics and kinesiology is fundamental to rehabilitation. provides a clinical approach to these subjects, explaining how movement is produced and how it can be affected by injury or disease. It offers essential prerequisite knowledge for understanding many rehabilitation techniques.
This handbook serves as a practical reference tool for understanding disability rights, benefits, and services, primarily within the UK context. While specific to the UK, it provides a concrete example of the legal and policy frameworks surrounding disability, which can be useful for comparative studies or understanding the practical implications of disability rights advocacy.
While not solely focused on rehabilitation, this book provides essential foundational knowledge in exercise physiology, which is critical for understanding the physiological responses to exercise and the principles behind exercise prescription in rehabilitation. It is helpful for providing background knowledge.
A classic text in neurological rehabilitation, this book focuses on the treatment of adult hemiplegia based on Bobath concepts. While older, it offers foundational principles and practical guidance that remain relevant for understanding neurorehabilitation approaches.
This classic textbook provides a strong foundation in orthopedics and rheumatology as they relate to physiotherapy. While an older edition, it remains a valuable resource for understanding the musculoskeletal conditions commonly encountered in rehabilitation. It is particularly useful for providing background knowledge in orthopedic rehabilitation.
Serves as a good introduction to the profession of physical therapy, outlining its scope of practice, history, and ethical considerations. It is suitable for those new to the field of rehabilitation and provides a foundational understanding of one of its key professions.

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