Contact:

Michelle Jarman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Disability Studies
E-mail: mjarman@uwyo.edu
Phone: (307) 766-5060

Project Description:
Disability Studies is a rich and diverse interdisciplinary field that investigates the social, cultural, experiential, and representational meanings of physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional disabilities.  The undergraduate minor in Disability Studies addresses questions from a variety of lenses.  Humanities perspectives allow students to examine issues of identity, normalcy, and culture, as well as engage critically with foundational and ethical frameworks of autonomy, oppression, and discrimination.  Social science perspectives center on the equally pressing issues of equal rights, social justice, access to education, supports and services, health care, and policy issues affecting the lives of people with disabilities.

In addition to offering the Disability Studies Minor, WIND collaborates with University faculty, staff and students to promote maximum participation of people with disabilities on campus and in the community. A key area of outreach is through infusion units, which introduce students and faculty to often unfamiliar terrain of disability rights, etiquette, disability history, the Americans with Disabilities Act, universal design, and other topics of crucial relevance across disciplines.

Although individuals with disabilities comprise the largest minority group in the United States, until recently, little attention has been paid to the ways in which negative attitudes and social systems have impacted their lives. Disability Studies has an ethical commitment to place the interests and voices of people with disabilities at the center of our curricula and training activities.

Undergraduate Minor in Disability Studies

Add value to your major and be more marketable as a graduate.

Did you know?

People with disabilities are the largest minority group

1 in 6 people in Wyoming has some type of disability

49.7 million people nationally have a disability

What does this mean for you?
You will better understand the social and cultural meanings of disability
You will be better prepared to interact with and include people with disabilities
You will gain knowledge about barriers to access and social justice issues related to disability


Disability Studies focuses upon disability as a social, cultural and political phenomenon, and explores how disability is defined and represented in society. The Disability Studies minor is an interdisciplinary approach to examining the interplay between the lived experience of disability and the social construction of disability. The Minor balances theoretical exploration with practical application, and provides students with a broad understanding of disability history, cultural representation, social justice and civil rights issues, policy concerns, and current ethical debates. Ultimately, students in the minor work closely with people with disabilities, and gain the skills and perspectives to participate in unique disability research and advocacy.

Disability Studies Learning Goals

Improved understanding of contextual and cultural issues surrounding disability

Improved understanding of the history of disability movements, including legislation, litigation, laws and protests

Improved skills in working with individuals with disabilities

Increased knowledge of types and causes of various disabilities

Improved knowledge of accessibility, inclusion and self determination concepts

Increased knowledge of local, state and national supports and services available to people with disabilities

Improved knowledge of the impact of disability within families and recognition of family strengths and resources

Increased knowledge of the careers related to working with people with disabilities

Increased understanding of the impact of cultural and personal attitudes toward disabilities

Students who enroll in the Disability Studies minor must take the 18 credit hours which are divided as follows:

9 credits will be comprised of the following core courses:

WIND 2100 Introduction to Disability Studies (3 credits)

WIND 4020 Disability Supports and Services (3 credits)

WIND 4500 Practicum (3 credits)

3 credits will come from one of the following WIND electrives:

• WIND 2500 Topics:_____ (variable credits)
• WIND 2700 Women with Disabilities (3 credits)
• WIND 3160 Disability Civil Rights Movements (3 credits)
• WIND 4990 Topics: Policies, Laws, Protests and Change (3 credits)
• WIND 4990 Topics:_____ (variable credits)

6 elective credits outside of WIND
(3 credits lower division and 3 credits upper division)

Examples of possible electives (Students will work with their WIND advisor to select electives that best fit their academic goals)

FCSC 4124 Families of Young Children with Special Needs

PSYC 2310 Exceptional Children

EDEX 2484 Overview of Special Education

SPPA 4070 Deaf Culture and the History of Deaf America

Students are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA overall and in the minor coursework.

WIND also provides other opportunities:

Training

Stipend based
Credit based (optional)

Resources

WIND Lending Library
Assistive technology devices
Information and referral

Work

Work study positions
Part-time student employment

Specific information about the Disability Studies minor may be obtained by contacting Michelle Jarman (307) 766-5060 or visiting the WIND office located at the Health Sciences Building, Room 147.