Program Overview

Certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity

The Certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity is a program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of disability and neurodiversity. This certificate program will engage students in gaining knowledge and practical skills to support individuals with disabilities.

Program Description

The program aims to address issues related to inclusion, ableism, stigma, empowerment, and identity politics. It also focuses on optimizing the health and well-being of children and adults with disabilities. Students will learn about the causes of and interventions for commonly occurring disabilities and health conditions.

Program Requirements

To complete the certificate, students must take the following courses:

• 3 credits: HDFS 315 Disability Across Lifespan and Culture
• 6 credits: interdisciplinary courses
• 3 credits: experiential learning related to disabilities
  eurodiversity (practicum or internship; research or honors thesis; Campus Connections; RAM Scholars)

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity includes:

• HDFS 315: Disability Across the Lifespan and Culture (3 credits)
• Select 6 credits from the following courses:
  • ANEQ 351: Techniques in Therapeutic Riding
  • ETST 270: Introduction to Critical Disability Studies
  • ETST 420: Disability, Race, Gender in the Environment
  • HDFS 275: Foundational Helping Skills
  • HDFS 317: Disabilities in Early Childhood Education
  • PSY 460: Child Exceptionality and Psychopathology
  • HDFS 410: Wonder Years-Socioemotional Journey Ages 3-8
  • HDFS 412: Mental and Physical Health in Adulthood
  • HES 345: Population Health and Disease Prevention
  • HES 354: Theory of Health Behavior
  • HES 427: Inclusive Fitness Training
  • LASL: American Sign Language
  • MU 241: Introduction to Music Therapy 1
  • OT 355: The Disability Experience in Society
• Select a minimum of 3 credits directly related to disabilities from the following courses:
  • AHS 487B: Human Services Internship: Gerontology
  • EDCT 485: Student Teaching
  • EDUC 485A: Student Teaching: Elementary
  • EDUC 485B: Student Teaching: Secondary
  • EDUC 485C: Student Teaching: Early Childhood
  • HDFS 286A-E: Practicum
  • HDFS 372/AGED 372: Inclusive Mentoring for Neurodiverse Peers
  • HDFS 470A: Campus Connections: Youth Mentor
  • HDFS 488A-E: Internship
  • HDFS 498A: Research: Human Development
  • HES 486: Practicum–Wellness Program Management
  • HONR 499: Senior Honors Thesis
  • SOWK 488: Practice-Based Learning

Career Opportunities

The Certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity will help prepare students to support and include individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity in various fields, including:

• Teaching
• Therapy
• Healthcare (nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, and language pathology)
• Medicine
• Early intervention
• Social work
• Advocacy and policy
• Human resources

Declaration of Certificate

To declare the certificate, students must complete the online minor/certificate declaration form. It may take 5-7 business days to process the request, and students must approve the request for the declaration to be processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn?

The certificate program will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of disability and neurodiversity, covering cultural sensitivity, inclusion strategies, and the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.

How will I gain experience?

Students will acquire hands-on, real-world experience through internships and practicum that involve direct interaction with diverse groups.

What careers can this certificate prepare me for?

The Certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity will help prepare students to support and include individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity in various fields.

How can I describe this to future fieldwork supervisors, employers, family members, and friends?

This certificate will set students apart by providing a unique skill set, including specialized knowledge and skills for working with individuals with disabilities, including neurodiversity. This skill set is an essential competency in many fields.