An Introduction to Disability Studies for Social Inclusion

• This 15-session course will focus on disability.
• Students will participate in simple simulated experiences and group work.
• Assignments will be set for each session, which students will be required to submit via the assignment submission section of eALPS by the deadline.
• Students will undertake independent study on the course topics and share their findings in class discussions.

disability studies, normalization, symbiotic society, disability

Session 1: Orientation (class overview)
Session 2: Understanding disability (1) (deepening our understanding of the medical and social models of disability)
Session 3: Understanding disability (2) (learning about the changes in the argument that disability means individuality)
Session 4: Learning about major disabilities (1) (understanding the role of the senses and thinking about visual impairment in particular)
Session 5: Learning about major disabilities (2) (thinking about hearing impairment)
Session 6: Learning about major disabilities (3) (understanding what intelligence is and thinking about intellectual disability)
Session 7: Learning about major disabilities (4) (understanding the characteristics of developmental disabilities, focusing on SLD and ADHD)
Session 8: Learning about major disabilities (5) (understanding the characteristics of developmental disabilities, focusing on ASD)
Session 9: What is discrimination against people with disabilities? (thinking about discrimination awareness and discriminatory acts)
Session 10: History of persons with disabilities (1) (learning how disabilities have been treated since ancient times)
Session 11: History of persons with disabilities (2) (understanding the birth and development of the principle of normalization)
Session 12: Understanding the barriers around us and issues related to barrier-free conflict
Session 13: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Act for Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (understanding reasonable accommodation, disproportionate burden, etc.)
Session 14: Thinking about education for children with disabilities (special needs education and inclusive education)
Session 15: Summary (what is necessary for forming a symbiotic society?); class questionnaire
Session 16: Final test

Syllabus (Japanese site only)