MA in Disability and Human Development

DHD 400. Disability and Human Development Capstone. 1-6 hours.

Students work with advocacy, research and/or policy organizations to apply the knowledge they gained through disability and human development coursework in a practical setting that addresses issues related to people with disabilities. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): DHD 101 and at least 6 additional credit hours of disability and human development coursework must be completed.

DHD 401. Foundations of Disability and Human Development. 3 or 4 hours.

Surveys foundational concepts and issues in disability studies and human development. Students will develop a framework for understanding disability from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Taught online. Prerequisite(s): Students enrolled in the BS in Disability and Human Development: DHD 101 and at least 6 additional hours of disability and human development coursework must be completed or consent of the instructor; Graduate students: no prerequisites.

DHD 402. Historical Issues in Disability and Disease. 3 hours.

Explores the central place of disability and disease in modern history. Sample topics Include: histories of deafness, eugenics, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and constructions of disease. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: DHD 101 and an additional six credit hours of DHD coursework.

DHD 403. Disability in Latino Communities. 3 hours.

Designed to examine the distinct needs of Latino families and communities in the US and in Latin American countries, and their experiences with disabilities.

DHD 404. Disability, Sexuality, and Health. 3 or 4 hours.

Explores how political, social, and cultural systems as well as historical contexts shape understandings and experiences of disability, sexuality, and health. Course Information: Same as GWS 404. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor.

DHD 405. Analysis of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 3 or 4 hours.

Examination of the history and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Analyzes and evalutes the effectiveness of the legislation in promoting and protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Previously listed as DHD 563. Prerequisite(s): DHD 101 or DHD 201; or graduate standing; or consent of the instructor.

DHD 406. Disability and Work. 3 or 4 hours.

Explores the complex relationship between disability and work within the U.S. Student will learn about debates and interventions surrounding the role, ability, and capability of people with disabilities to work. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: DHD 101 and an additional 6 credit hours of coursework in Disability and Human Development.

DHD 407. Cultural Politics of Disability and Health. 3 or 4 hours.

Examines the construction and circulation of knowledge about bodies, health, medicine and impairment from a disability studies perspective. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: DHD 101 and an additional six credit hours of DHD coursework.

DHD 408. Disability Through the Lifecourse. 3 or 4 hours.

Provides an overview of varying approaches to the study of disability through the life course from early childhood to adulthood and aging. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: DHD 101 and an additional six credit hours of coursework in Disability and Human Development.

DHD 420. Mental Health, Asian Americans, and Community Engagement. 3 or 4 hours.

In partnership with Chicago?s Asian American communities and using community engagement methodologies, this course will offer an interdisciplinary, team-approach to explore taboo-related mental health issues. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours.

DHD 440. Introduction to Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice. 3 hours.

Principles and exemplary practice of assistive technology used by individuals with disabilities, including augmentative communication, seating, mobility, computer access, environmental control, home modifications, and worksite modifications. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Undergraduate enrolled in health sciences, education, or engineering and working professionals seeking to develop assistive technology as an area of concentration.

DHD 441. Adaptive Equipment Design and Fabrication. 3 hours.

Examination of the interaction between design and disability, through comparison of appropriate design theories, materials, and work on consumer-based issues. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing; or DHD 440 and consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Undergraduates enrolled in health sciences, education, or engineering, or working professionals seeking to develop assistive technology as an area of concentration.

DHD 445. Topics in Disability Studies. 3 or 4 hours.

This course will focus on topics structured around particular aspects of Disability Studies and its practical, cultural, and theoretical implications. Course Information: Same as ENGL 445. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 1 time(s). Prerequisite(s): ENGL 361 or ENGL 362 or ENGL 363 or ENGL 364; and senior standing or above; or consent of the instructor.

DHD 494. Special Topics in Disability and Human Development. 1-4 hours.

Systematic study of selected topics in disability and human development. Course Information: May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or consent of the instructor.

DHD 501. Disability Studies I. 4 hours.

Provides analysis of contemporary classification and diagnosis systems for disability as well as the conceptual foundations for disabilty studies as a content area. Course Information: Previously listed as DIS 501.

DHD 502. Disability Studies II. 4 hours.

Current approaches and practices in disability studies, critically considered from a variety of perspectives. Service delivery systems and the influence that civil rights and self determination have had. Course Information: Previously listed as DIS 502. Prerequisite(s): DHD 501.

DHD 505. Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities I. 4 hours.

Introduces students to issues related to disabilities, including leadership, public health, interdisciplinary training and practice, emerging issues, cultural competence, family centered care, and research. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department.

DHD 506. Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities II. 3 hours.

Emphasizes the leadership competencies of the MCH Bureau pertaining to disability issues: MCH knowledge, cultural competency, family-centered care, interdisciplinary team-building, community and systems, and policy and advocacy. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): DHD 505 Students must be accepted into the Illinois Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) program.

DHD 510. Concepts in Interdisciplinary Research on Disability. 3 hours.

Core concepts and methodologies of the major research traditions used in disability research.

DHD 514. Ethical Issues in Disability. 2-3 hours.

Examines contemporary ethical issues affecting the lives of persons with disabilities and disability professionals. Critiques the application of ethical principles to problems of genetics, treatment decisions and competency. Course Information: Extensive computer use required.

DHD 515. Statistical Methods and SPSS in Disability Research. 3 hours.

Designed to provide an overview of statistical methods used in disability and disability related research and give students SPSS hands-on experience to analyze quantitative data. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): An introductory course in statistics.

DHD 517. Ethics and Disability: Contemporary Problems. 2 or 3 hours.

Ethical theories and ethical decision-making are examined from an interdisciplinary disability studies perspective in relation to people with disabilities. Topics include assisted suicide, de-institutionalization, and genetic discrimination. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): DHD 514 or consent of the instructor.

DHD 520. Disability and Physical Activity. 3 hours.

Examination of the foundations of physical activity for persons with disabilities. Emphasis on strategies for promoting physical activity among persons with disabilities in community settings. Course Information: Same as KN 520.

DHD 526. Family Perspectives on Disability. 3 hours.

Examines trends, theories and research methods, policies, and family centered intervention approaches for families of persons with disabilities. Course Information: Same as CHSC 526. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

DHD 528. Race, Culture, and Health Disparities. 2-3 hours.

Focuses on developing students? critical thinking skills as they relate to race, health disparities and engaging in culturally responsive care. Course Information: Same as KN 538 and OT 528. Students registering for 3 hours of credit complete an immersion activity and a research paper. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and consent of the instructor.

DHD 530. Disability Oppression and Resistance. 3 hours.

Combines social theory that addresses a wide variety of disability studies concerns (ideology, oppression, empowerment, consciousness, and the body) with approaches on how best to use these theories to analyze the disability experience.

DHD 535. Advocacy and Empowerment in Disability. 3 hours.

In-depth review of academic literature on advocacy and empowerment. Relevant theories, research, and interventions in the context of individuals with disabilities will be reviewed.

DHD 537. Disability and Health Promotion. 3 hours.

Examines health issues in disability with emphasis on health promotion and preventing secondary disease. Relationship of emerging theories of health promotion to disability are discussed.

DHD 538. Disability and Health Promotion II. 3 hours.

Health promotion evaluation issues pertaining to people with disabilities will be critiqued and analyzed in relationship to application and usability. The content will build upon basic concepts discussed in DHD 537. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): DHD 537.

DHD 541. Advanced Concepts in Disability Research. 3 hours.

Seminar-based applications of advanced scholarship skills. Topics covered include problem formulation, manuscript development, and critical reviews.

DHD 542. Advanced Concept in Disability Research II. 3 hours.

Second course of a 2 seminar sequence developing advanced scholarship skills. Topics include methodological implications, relationship of tradition of inquiry to data and its analysis, and limits of interpretation within the research paradigms. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): DHD 541.

DHD 543. Program Evaluation: Documenting the Impact of Human Services. 3 hours.

Examines methods in program evaluation with emphasis on empowerment and participatory evaluation. Students will study quantitative and qualitative strategies, how to communicate information to stakeholders, and how to design evaluations. Course Information: Same as OT 553. Recommended background: Interest in research, health or behavioral sciences, and implementation and evaluation of community initiatives and community-based organizations.

DHD 545. Leadership in the Non-Profit Disability Organization. 3 hours.

Applications in management and leadership in the non-profit disability agency. Focus on employee motivation, recruitment, retention, fiscal management, long-range planning, board development and succession planning.

DHD 546. Qualitative Methods in Disability Research. 4 hours.

Examines qualitative research methods, design, data collection, analysis, and report-writing. Issues of ethical conduct, power relationships, and collaborative approaches.

DHD 547. Analysis and Comparison of For-Profit and Non-Profit Organizations. 3 hours.

Organizational theory applied to non-profit disability agencies. Review and evaluation of theoretical models of organizations, authority, management, and budgeting.

DHD 551. Computers, Communication and Controls in Rehabilitation Technology. 3 hours.

Provides information on operation and use of alternative controls for computers, augmentative communication devices and powered mobility. Emphasis on matching consumer's need and assistive technology. Course Information: Same as OT 551. Prerequisite(s): DHD 440. Recommended background: Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Special Education.

DHD 553. Assistive Technology for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. 1 hour.

An overview of assistive technology for people who are blind or visually impaired, including screen magnification software, screen reading software, OCR software, braille technologies, low vision devices, and smart phone/tablet accessibility. Course Information: Meets 5 weeks of the semester.Recommended background: DHD 440 and basic computer and smartphone literacy.

DHD 554. Augmentative Communication Assessment. 3 hours.

Augmentative communication assessment strategies and evaluation of materials development. Utilizes case examples for discussion of specific approaches for different ages, disabilities, and settings. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): DHD 440. Recommended background: Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Special Education.

DHD 555. Consideration, Assessment and Documentation of Assistive Technology in PreK-12 Educational Setting. 3 hours.

An introduction to the delivery of assistive technology (AT) services in the PreK-12 educational setting. Includes the legal foundation, models of AT service delivery, and practical components of AT consideration, assessment, and documentation. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): DHD 440.

DHD 556. Seating and Positioning for Wheelchair Mobility. 1 hour.

Focuses on assessment of seating & positioning for functional use of a manual/powered wheelchair for those with physical disabilities. Assessment procedures, technology selection, funding, & applicable research are covered. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Taught online. Prerequisite(s): DHD 440; or consent of the instructor.

DHD 557. Manual Wheelchair Technology. 1 hour.

Focuses on manual wheelchair designs and components for use by children and adults with physical disabilities. Performance adjustments, transportation standards and securement systems, funding and related research are covered. Course Information: Taught online over a consecutive five-week period. Prerequisite(s): DHD 556; and consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Special Education, Engineering.

DHD 558. Powered Wheelchair Technology. 1 hour.

Covers the designs and features of powered mobility devices for people with physical disabilities. Power seat functions, assessment procedures, access methods, electronics, programming and applicable research are covered. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets 5 weeks of the semester. Prerequisite(s): DHD 556; and DHD 557; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Special Education, Engineering.

DHD 559. Ergonomics and Safety for Workers with Disabilities. 1 hour.

The course highlights various aspects of reasonable accommodation at jobsites, including the provision of ergonomic equipment, modified- and custom-tools, computer workstations, environmental features, and emergency evacuation equipment. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets 5 weeks of the semester. Recommended background: DHD 440.

DHD 561. Disability and Community Participation: Policy, Systems Change and Action Research. 4 hours.

Focuses on the critical examination of disability policy, activism, and research. Emphasis on conducting participatory action research in collaboration with constituents with disabilities, community organizations, and policy makers. Course Information: Same as OT 561. Field work required. Depending on the research project, students may or may not need to complete IRB training. More information on the IRB process will be available at the start of the project. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Previous coursework in disability policy, disability empowerment research and qualitative research. To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture/Discussion and one Practice.

DHD 562. Built in Accessibility Features of Computers and Smart Devices. 1 hour.

. Focuses on accessibility options that are built into the Windows and Mac Operating systems as well as accessibility options built into the iOS and Android (multiple platforms) systems.Course Information: Extensive computer use required