Program Overview

Disability and Advocacy Program

The Disability and Advocacy program is designed to provide professionals with a solid background in topics central to the provision of supports for individuals with disabilities. This program is essential for those who want to work with individuals with disabilities in non-school settings, such as health and human services, behavioral support clinics, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Program Description

Completion of the Disability and Advocacy major results in a Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE), but graduates do not qualify for a teaching certificate. The program focuses on providing foundational knowledge to professionals who interface with individuals with disabilities across various settings.

Related Majors

• Special Education and Inclusive Teaching
• Public Health
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences

Related Minors

• Education and Social Justice Minor
• Psychology Minor
• Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences Minor
• Sport Psychology Minor
• Law, Diversity & Justice Minor

Student Experiences

Internships and Scholarships

The college faculty coordinates a wide range of school and community-based practicum placements strategically placed throughout the program. This provides frequent opportunities to interact with individuals while developing professional skills.

Professional Development

Candidates may opt to participate in professional development activities outside of the classroom setting. These activities are varied and may include events such as professional development alongside practicing professionals in the local community or attendance at selected informational talks or workshops.

Compass 2 Campus

The State of Washington mentoring initiative at Western is designed to increase opportunities in higher education by providing mentoring for 5th 12th grade students from traditionally underrepresented and diverse backgrounds in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Career Options

A major in Disability and Advocacy provides foundational knowledge to professionals who interface across a variety of settings. Career options include working in:

• Behavioral support clinics
• Advocacy law agencies
• Adaptive recreation settings
• Community engagement
• Government agencies supporting individuals with disabilities Graduate studies include certification as a BCBA, a Master's of Special Education, a Master's of Applied Behavior Analysis, Pre-Law, etc.