Author: Conestoga College
Published: 04/07/2024
Type of publication: Advertisement
Content: Summary – Introduction – Major – Related
Synopsis: Undergraduate students can pursue a disability studies major at Conestogato College Ontario with disability-related topics across four courses. Learning begins with the introductory course titled Why Normal Sucks, which examines historical approaches to people with disabilities and the concepts of normal/abnormal that have emerged. The School of Interdisciplinary Studies encompasses all areas of study and work with liberal studies and language and communication courses and programs that are relevant in today’s global economy.
Introduction
Undergraduate students can now pursue a minor in disability studies at Conestoga, the only university in Ontario to offer this additional area of study for undergraduate degrees. Students will examine a variety of disability-related topics across four courses, all of which must be completed to receive the major.
Main Summary
Learning begins with the introductory course entitled Why normal suckswhich examines historical approaches to people with disabilities and the concepts of normal/abnormal that have emerged. The class will question the idea of what is “normal” and attempt to demonstrate that normality is a problem to be fought, resisted, and ultimately an idea to be replaced.
The course is followed by Positive Psychology, which emphasises positive personal traits and strengths, well-being and human flourishing; Cross-cultural Perspectives on Health and Complex Needs, analysing different cultural approaches to disability; and Policy, Advocacy and Disability.
Katelan Dunn, a professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, said the disability major is an eye-opening experience for students.
“For some, they see themselves reflected in the curriculum for the first time, and for others, it’s an opportunity to confront their own biases and assumptions about disability.”
According to Disabled World, an estimated 1.3 billion people (around 16 percent of the world’s population) live with a significant disability. It is not uncommon for those with a disability to experience discrimination, stigma, or to be defined solely by their disability rather than as people with unique abilities and talents.
“Our goal is to empower students to better understand and advocate for people with disabilities, and to foster a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable society. We hope that students who participate in this specialization will gain a greater appreciation for the importance of accessibility and solidarity and be inspired to create positive change in their communities, both inside and outside the classroom,” Dunn said.
Laura Quirk, coordinator and lecturer at the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, was keen to offer this minor focus, having herself lived with MS for more than three decades.
Speakers, who are aware of the perspective that people with disabilities can offer, are an integral part of the major, as they are a “living library” who can speak to the realities of the challenges they face in their daily lives. Feedback from students has been positive, with them saying things like the course was life-changing.
“It was a great experience for all of us,” Quirk said.
Conestoga undergraduate students may use their interdisciplinary electives to complete a minor. A minor is a secondary academic discipline that a student may study while completing their degree to complement and support their program or simply satisfy a student’s general interest in a different field of study. While a minor is not an additional credential, it is identified on an official transcript.
The School of Interdisciplinary Studies encompasses all areas of study and work with courses and programs in liberal arts, language and communication studies that are relevant in today’s global economy.
Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication entitled Conestoga College is a pioneer in advocacy and education for people with disabilities The editors of Disabled World selected this book for publication because of its relevance to the disabled community. While the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity, its original author was Conestoga College and published on 07/04/2024. For further details or clarifications, you can contact Conestoga College directly at conestogac.on.ca Disabled World does not offer any warranty or endorsement related to this item.
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Cite this page (APA): Conestoga College. (July 4, 2024) Conestoga College is a pioneer in disability advocacy and education. Disabled worldRetrieved July 5, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/education/conestoga.php
Permanent link: Conestoga College is a pioneer in advocacy and education for people with disabilities: Undergraduate students can pursue a minor in disability studies at Conestogato College Ontario with disability-related topics across four courses.
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