This course explores key concepts, questions, and controversies in the field of disability. We will examine who are people with disabilities in Canada, the historical context of disability as an idea and a lived experience, and various theories for understanding disability, including decoloniality. The course will consider ideas of disability as well as social work practice relating to assessment and intervention, practice settings, diagnostic systems, and lifespan vis a vis disability. Emphasis is given to the role of the social worker in interdisciplinary practice settings and the role of the social worker in relationship to the disability community. The course serves as the theoretical basis for the field placement experience, learning ways of working with persons, families, caregivers, professionals, communities, and natural environments. Open to non-Social Work students with a minimum of 54 credit hours and with instructor permission [3 credits]
This course explores key concepts, questions, and controversies in the field of disability. We will examine who are people with disabilities in Canada, the historical context of disability as an idea and a lived experience, and various theories for understanding disability, including decoloniality. The course will consider ideas of disability as well as social work practice relating to assessment and intervention, practice settings, diagnostic systems, and lifespan vis a vis disability. Emphasis is given to the role of the social worker in interdisciplinary practice settings and the role of the social worker in relationship to the disability community. The course serves as the theoretical basis for the field placement experience, learning ways of working with persons, families, caregivers, professionals, communities, and natural environments. Open to non-Social Work students with a minimum of 54 credit hours and with instructor permission [3 credits]