The undergraduate Certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity provides an interdisciplinary understanding of individuals across the lifespan with disabilities and is relevant to majors and careers in health, education, rehabilitation, and human service professions. Students will explore how disabilities interact with health, life outcomes, family, society, stigma, and the physical environment, and intersect with identities such as race and gender. This certificate consists of basic coursework as well as experiential learning through research or field experiences. This certificate is open to students in all majors.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history, philosophy, definitions, and rights related to disabilities and developmental disabilities.
- Use content knowledge to investigate or optimize the development, health, and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
- Acquire knowledge regarding the causes, outcomes, and interventions of commonly occurring disabilities and health conditions (e.g., congenital disabilities, diabetes, spinal cord injuries).
- Describe concepts related to independence, inclusion, ableism, stigma, choice and self-determination, empowerment, access, stigma, identity politics, and acceptance for individual differences as they relate to disability, life stage, and culture.
Effective Fall 2024
Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites. A minimum of 9 credits must be upper division. Some elective courses are restricted to majors, minors, or honors students. Other related courses may be substituted upon approval of the certificate advisor. A maximum of 6 credits may double-count with the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor, the Certificate in Youth Mentoring, and the Minor in Human Development and Family Studies.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course: | ||
| HDFS 315 | Disability Across the Lifespan and Culture | 3 |
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Techniques in Therapeutic Riding | ||
| Introduction to Critical Disability Studies | ||
| Disability, Race, Gender in the Environment | ||
| Disabilities in Early Childhood Education | ||
| Inclusive Mentoring for Neurodiverse Peers | ||
| Promoting Early Socioemotional Development | ||
| Mental and Physical Health in Adulthood | ||
| Population Health and Disease Prevention | ||
or HES 354 | Theory of Health Behavior | |
LASL *** American Sign Language | ||
| Introduction to Music Therapy 1 | ||
| The Disability Experience in Society | ||
| Select a minimum of 3 credits directly related to disabilities from the following 2 | 3 | |
| Human Services Internship: Gerontology 3 | ||
HDFS 286A-E Practicum | ||
| Campus Connections: Youth Mentor | ||
HDFS 488A-E Internship 1 | ||
| Research: Human Development | ||
| Practicum–Wellness Program Management 1 | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis 4 | ||
| Field Placement 1 | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 12 | |
- 1
Restricted to majors only.
- 2
Only practica, internships, research assistantships, and theses focused on disabilities or neurodiversity are eligible. Other courses are eligible as appropriate.
- 3
Restricted to Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minors only.
- 4
Restricted to honors students only.