Program Overview

Introduction to the Disability and Participation Major

The Disability and Participation major is designed to help students across all disciplines develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will underpin informed collaboration to reduce inequalities and support inclusion and participation of people with disability in everyday life.

About the Major

The major introduces concepts that underpin the perceptions and experience of disability from person-centered and citizen-community perspectives. It acknowledges and seeks to counteract outdated historical depictions of people with disability as objects for study or people with disorders to be “managed”. The major recognises the importance of social constructs in creating disability and disability as a human rights issue that can impact health and participation in everyday life.

Requirements for the Major

To meet the requirements for a major in Disability and Participation, students must complete 48 credit points of units of study, as follows:

• 12 credit points of 1000-level core units:
  • Perspectives on Disability and Participation
  • Disability and Lifespan Development
• 18 credit points of 2000-level core units
  • Disability and Decolonising Practices
  • Disability, Human Rights and Participation
  • Disability and Assistive Products
• 12 credit points of 3000 core units
  • Deconstructing the Disability Sector
  • Community Development and Disability
• 6 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project selective units of study
  • Industry and Community Project

Why Study Disability and Participation?

The Disability and Participation major can help students learn the skills and knowledge to create an inclusive society. This major is ideal for those passionate about changing the way people with a disability are included and supported in communities.

Practical Strategies Explored

The major explores practical strategies that have been and could be used to facilitate participation in real-world settings, including:

• Advocacy
• Collaborative dialogue and partnership
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander approaches to health and healing
• Culturally safe disability practice and understanding of disability in multicultural settings
• Use of everyday technologies
• Local/international community development

Conclusion

The Disability and Participation major offers students a comprehensive understanding of disability and its impact on individuals and society. By completing this major, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to support the inclusion and participation of people with disability in everyday life.