Disability Studies Degree Program Launched this Fall

Applications are now being accepted for a new degree program in Disability Studies, being launched this fall by Ryerson Polytechnic University.

It is the only program in Canada that provides degree education in the disability field. Community college graduates with Developmental Services Worker or other disability-related diplomas and those with other relevant academic/experiential qualifications will be able to build on their previous credentials and earn a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree.

Reflected throughout the curriculum is the need to reconstruct cultural conceptions of disability. Students will develop an increased awareness of the socio-political context of disability and learn to apply this perspective while working with the phenomenon of disability.

The program will prepare them for leadership roles in:

- direct care,

- management,

- community development,

- policy,

- planning, or

- advocacy (both paid career and volunteer activities)

utteet activities.

Course Formats

Flexible course delivery formats will maximize the program’s accessibility to adult learners and those with disabilities. In recognition of the time constraints facing adult learners, the program is offered only on a part-time basis.

Most required courses (and many electives), for example, are offered through distance education through various media including the Internet, print, telephone, and audio conference.

Intensive, two-week courses held on the Ryerson campus in May and August will allow students to meet other students and faculty in the program to gain a broad insight and perspective into the study of disability. The intensive format is intended to minimize the disruption to students’ personal lives. Students will be required to complete at least two intensive courses in the duration of the program.

Some courses also will be offered on-campus at Ryerson, through the university’s regular day programs. Students may also, with permission, take elective courses at other universities around the province.

Course Offerings

There are eight required professional courses and two required professionally related courses:

- Perspectives on Disability I & II

- Strategies for Community Building

- Applied Community Project/Thesis

- Community Access and Technology

- Enabling Interventions

- Ethics and Disability

- Leadership in Human Services

- Media and Images of Disability

- Research Methods

Electives further address the various elements of the phenomenon of disability: crisis intervention; ethnic diversity; gender and sexuality; homelessness; human services management; politics; and urban geography. While courses do not provide in-depth information about the characteristics of specific disabling conditions or issues, students can focus on areas of personal interest through course assignments as well as in the applied community project or thesis course.

Admission Requirements

Students should meet three basic requirements:

1) an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) diploma in Developmental Services Work or other disability-related program (e.g. Social Service Worker) with a concentration in the area of disability and with at least a "B+" average; and

2) two additional one-term, university-level liberal studies courses (e.g. English, History and Philosophy but not Psychology or Sociology) with a minimum grade of "C+"; and

3) two years (or equivalent) related work/advocacy experience. (Students who do not meet this criterion may be accepted into the program on condition that they complete DST 080: Practicum in Disability Studies in addition to all other program requirements. Students accepted on this condition may become exempt from DST 090 if, during the course of their studies, they acquire sufficient work/advocacy experience as outlined above.)

Applicants with other post-secondary academic backgrounds and extensive work experience in the field will be considered on an individual basis.

Admission Procedures

Along with their application form, applicants are required to submit directly to the Office of Admission/Liaison/Curriculum Advising:

1) officially certified transcripts of the CAAT diploma or other post-secondary credentials and all other post-secondary level studies, indicating specific courses and grades;

2) letters from employers to document work experience;

3) a resume of work experience; and

4) a letter explaining why the applicant wishes to register in the program and what he/she hopes to gain from it.

For further information about the program, contact the School of Disability Studies, (416) 979-5000, ext. 6128; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.ryerson.ca/ds

For an information package and application form, contact Ms. Sarah King, (416) 979-5065; e-mail: ; fax: (416) 979-5067.

For general information about Ryerson and its programs, call (416) 979-5036; e-mail: ; website: www.ryerson.ca

For information about support for students with disabilities and the accessibility of Ryerson buildings, contact:

ACCESS CENTRE

TEL: (416) 979-5290

TDD/TTY: (416) 979-5274

FAX: (416) 979-5247

E-MAIL: [email protected]

Most buildings at Ryerson are accessible by wheelchair; several provide other facilities for wheelchair users.

Ryerson Polytechnic University is Canada’s leading centre for applied, undergraduate education, offering 39 career-oriented programs.