Critical Disability Studies Minor

Introduction

The minor in Critical Disability Studies explores the various ways disability can be understood in terms of social access, cultural beliefs, and lived experiences. Students will explore the history of disability activism and learn about contemporary movements that fight for access and build communities based around disability identity and disability pride. In addition to learning about concepts such as ableism and neurodiversity, students will also learn concepts such as Universal Design and accessibility in various professions and parts of society.

Why Consider a Critical Disabilities Studies Minor?

The minor in Critical Disability Studies has a great deal to offer students from a wide range of majors, including history, psychology, digital technology and design, education, physical sciences, fine and performing arts, engineering, literature, and many more. It will be especially interesting to students who are interested in other identity-focused fields such as gender and sexuality studies and critical race studies. The concept of Universal Design will offer real-world value to students interested in accessible teaching and design.

Student Resources

Website: Institute for Critical Disability Studies

Institute for Critical Disability Studies Co-Directors/Program Advisors: G McGrew, mcgrewg2@wwu.edu and Kristen Chmielewski, chmielk@wwu.edu

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample Careers: Social work, Education and Educational Administration, Accommodations specialist, Adaptive technologist, Human Resources, Community advocacy, Spiritual and community leadership, Nonprofit, Policy

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

To declare, contact program advisors G McGrew and Andrew Lucchesi at icds@wwu.edu for an individual consultation.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.