Contact:
Terri Longhurst
E-mail: lnghurst@uwyo.edu
Phone: (307) 766-2452

Project Description:
WIND collaborates with teachers, university faculty and students to develop and maintain best practices in working with people with developmental disabilities and other disabilities throughout the lifespan. University course development and incorporating infusion units into existing curricula campus-wide is a key focus. Specific emphases include: disability awareness, supports and services, positive behavioral supports in the classroom, and cultural competence. For more information about the training activities of WIND, you may wish to visit the Training Activities section of the web site.

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 be better prepared to interact with people who have disabilities
• You will increase your knowledge about disabilities
• You will have more satisfying relationships among people with and without disabilities

The Disability Studies minor is an interdisciplinary approach to examining the interplay between the lived experience of disability and the social construct of disability. The minor will provide a balance between theory and practical hands-on application. Students will gain a broad understanding of disability issues for working with people with disabilities rather than specific disciplinary skills and techniques. The minor consists of 18 credit hours.

Courses include:

Introduction to Disability Studies Disability Supports and Services Disability Civil Rights Movement

Policies, Laws, Protests and Change Women with Disabilities Field experience/practicum

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

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 courses:

• WIND 2500 - Topics: Introduction to Disability Studies (3 credits)
• WIND 4020/5020 - Disability supports and services (3 credits)
• WIND 4990 - Topics: Field experience/practicum (3 credits)

3 credits can come from the following courses:

• WIND 4990 - Topics: Disability Civil Rights Movement (3 credits)
• WIND 4990 - Topics: Policies, Laws, Protests, and Change (3 credits)
• WIND 2700 - Women with Disabilities (3 credits)
• WIND 4990/5990 - Topics: - [upper division] (variable credits)
• WIND 2500 - Topics: - [lower division] (variable credits)

6 elective credits outside of WIND
(3 credits lower division and 3 credits upper division)
Students are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA overall and in the minor coursework.

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 concepts of accessibility, inclusion and self determination
• 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

Specific information about the Disability Studies minor may be obtained by contacting Terri Longhurst at (307) 766-2452 or visiting the WIND office located at Health Sciences Building Room 147.