Bachelor of Arts in Disability and Human Development

University of Illinois Chicago

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the program in disability and human development examines various aspects of society- healthcare, culture, politics, economics, history, legislation, education and social attitudes-that uniquely impact the experience and development of people living with disabilities. In the coursework, disability is explored and understood through a social model that is based on history and culture. Under this formulation, disability is not inherent in the disabled person, but a result of socio-cultural dynamics that occur in interactions between society, the environment (buildings as well as attitudes) and people with disabilities. Therefore, Disability Studies’ subject matter is not simply human differences, but the meaning we in society have made of those differences historically by constructing disability as inferior and a ''lack'' based on particular cultural norms.

College of Applied Health Sciences