Objectives: 1. Explain the historical and philosophical foundations of
“handicapism”, “ableism”, and “inclusion” and as they have evolved out
of the independent living and other civil rights and social justice
movements.

2. Identify those societal attitudes, barriers, and practices, past and present, which bring forward patterns of discrimination towards people with disabilities including labeling, segregation, and stigma).

3. Demonstrate a sensitivity, appreciation, and understanding of what it means to have a disability in terms of its medical and psychological
aspects.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of how the use of a variety of objective and subjective assessments (task analysis) as well as the use of “assistive
technology” may be used to enhance opportunities and integration of
people with disabilities.

5. Describe the importance of sensitive communication skills, cultural
sensitivity, formal and informal circles of support as well as the accurate representation of individuals with disabilities and how these attributes facilitate community inclusion.

6. Identify major psychological theories for describing how one adjusts to
and recovers from disabling conditions;

7. Understand the holistic approach to well-being and the connection between mind-body-spirit;

8. Identify personal skills and attitudes toward those with disabilities and how these might be used when confronted with future instances of negative attitudes and prejudicial actions toward people with disabilities.

9. Understand and appreciate the modern world and of the social sickness by means of historical perspectives.

10. Be aware of the goals of governmental programs and policies regarding persons with disabilities, especially in the areas of inclusion, independence, productivity, and self-determination.

11. Be aware of the role of the family in assisting the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

12. Gain an understanding of how the media shapes our perceptions about others and the world around us.

13. Identify the unique characteristics of discrimination toward individuals with disabilities, as reflected in the American media.