DISB: Disability Studies

DISB 1998  Individualized Studies in Disability Studies (DISB)  (1-8 Credits)  

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Disability Studies (DISB). Registration for this class must be approved by the student’s mentor.

DISB 2005  Creative Arts Therapy with Children with Autism & Other Special Needs  (4 Credits)  

Children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (autism, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger’s syndrome) have reported experiencing the world differently than children in the general population. Social skills deficits, sensory and communication issues, and stereotypic behaviors that can cause alienation from peers, put these young people at risk of falling behind their peers in social, cognitive and emotional achievements. The purpose of this study is threefold: First, to understand the needs of young people with traits of autism spectrum disorders, (how are they diagnosed? What are theories of causation? What do symptoms look like? What are goals of treatment or intervention)? Second, what are the healing elements of art therapy, and what does the literature say about the effectiveness of art and art therapy for children with these disorders? Third, what are some techniques that students can add to their repertoire of ways of engaging and assisting these young people? Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Skills and Diversity.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 2010  Disabilities in the Workplace  (4 Credits)  

This course explores workplace accommodation and inclusion laws, policies and practices to case analyses. The study will also cover prevailing social assumptions, biases and perspectives that can undermine equality in hiring, firing, pay, promotion, training and any other terms or conditions of employment for individuals with disabilities. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Skills and Diversity.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 2015  Disabled in America  (4 Credits)  

This study provides an overview of the range of disabilities, assistive technologies, and accommodations in the United States. Topics will include the history of recent legislation regarding the disabled, as well as the civil rights and life style issues of the disabled. Current initiatives in education, employment, housing, transportation, communication, cultural activities, recreation, health services, and access to public services may be covered. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Diversity. This course was previously CHS-252054 Disabled in America.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 2020  Health & Disabilities in Human Services Advocacy  (4 Credits)  

Individuals with disabilities may frequently experience comorbid health conditions and need subsequent care. This course will introduce the student to comorbid health conditions, the types of health care that is needed. The role of the human service worker as an advocate will be discussed, as will the role of self-advocacy in the patient. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Skills and Diversity.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 2025  Human Services Practice with Disabilities  (4 Credits)  

This study will provide a deeper understanding of the diversity of disabilities and several models of practice in the disabilities field. Students will understand various interventions, skills, and treatment modalities needed to implement effective treatment interventions for working with individuals with disabilities. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Skills and Application and Integration.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 2998  Individualized Studies in Disability Studies (DISB)  (1-8 Credits)  

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Disability Studies (DISB). Registration for this class must be approved by the student’s mentor.

DISB 3005  ADHD & Neurodiversity  (4 Credits)  

This study explores the diverse and growing ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) as a biocultural and biomedical phenomenon: its sociocultural context, current debates and controversies surrounding diagnosis, and popular treatments. Alongside increasing rates of autism and dyslexia, the US ADHD epidemic inspired neurodiversity advocates to speak against the medicalization of persons who are developmentally and neurologically different, for the recognition that each individual presents a unique blend of liabilities and strengths. A common feature of spectrum disorders, ADHD varies in presentation - symptomatology and severity - as well as its impact on daily functioning. While ADHD behaviors are commonly viewed as a handicap in classrooms and urban environments, new evidence suggests it confers strengths in other settings. This study provides the student with multiple opportunities to gain a more nuanced understanding of ADHD and the type of services that are provided to these individuals. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior and Skills.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 3010  Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disabilities  (4 Credits)  

In this study, the student will understand and analyze the sociological, cultural, psychological, and economic perspectives and issues in human services when working with people with disabilities in the United States. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Skills and Diversity.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 3020  Human Service Practice with Children with Disabilities  (4 Credits)  

This course will provide the student with an understanding of the range of disabilities seen in children in human services practice and the types of skills, programs, and policies that are applicable to them. Topics in this study may include: federal and New York State Laws surrounding special education, the types of disabilities seen in children, assessment and implementation of intervention strategies and programs for children with disabilities, the needs of the family, and the partnerships between the family and provider. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior and Skills.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 3025  Psychosocial Impact of Illness & Disability  (4 Credits)  

This study will explore the psychological and social impact of illness and disability on the individual and family. Topics for the study may include: psychological coping strategies that may be used by individuals with disabilities and/or their families; personal and societal factors that may impact the disability experience, such as gender, race/ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status; and the various types of interventions that are available. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Service Delivery and Skills. This course is part of the BS in Public Health program.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 3030  The Disability Rights Movement: Policy and Legislation  (4 Credits)  

This study examines the history of the disability movement in the United States, with an emphasis on reform, inequality, social control, disenfranchisement, and the relationship between power, policy and practice. An emphasis on the complex and multi-faceted societal view of disabilities will be examined and its relation to human services practice and policy. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Service Delivery, Diversity, and Application and Integration.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 3998  Individualized Studies in Disability Studies (DISB)  (1-8 Credits)  

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Disability Studies (DISB). Registration for this class must be approved by the student’s mentor.

DISB 4005  Aging With a Developmental Disability  (4 Credits)  

The purpose of this study is to examine current issues and clinical approaches used for individuals with a developmental disability as they age. Individuals that have a developmental disability are provided programs and services to help them learn daily living skills to become as independent as possible. As they age, services change to adjust to current physical health needs that may result in different program or living environments. Societal changes, research trends and current assessment tools used to help diagnose health changes for an individual with a developmental disability may be examined. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Skills.

Attributes: Liberal

DISB 4010  Assessment & Evaluation of Disabilities  (4 Credits)  

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of assessment issues, principles, approaches and techniques that are used when working with disabled individuals and their families. The course will prepare students to identify, gather and analyze relevant information required to make decisions about and formulate intervention plans. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Skills and Application.

DISB 4998  Individualized Studies in Disability Studies (DISB)  (1-8 Credits)  

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Disability Studies (DISB). Registration for this class must be approved by the student’s mentor.