Disability Awareness and Support

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/disability-awareness

Introduction

### Course Review: Disability Awareness and Support **Platform:** Coursera **Instructor:** Abbas (Bobby) Husain Quamar, Graduate Student Researcher, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology **Duration:** Flexible (Self-paced) **Overview:** The “Disability Awareness and Support” course is designed for educators, staff, and administrators who wish to foster an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities in higher education. With a focus on understanding accessibility in education, the course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to elevate awareness and understanding of the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities. By delving into legislation, universal design principles, and assistive technologies, participants are equipped to support the diverse needs of their students effectively. --- **Course Structure:** The course is divided into several key sections, providing a well-rounded exploration of disability awareness: 1. **Introduction:** The course kicks off by emphasizing the varied backgrounds of students entering higher education, particularly those with disabilities. Educators are introduced to critical legislation that shapes support for these students, including how disability services operate and their relationship with faculty. 2. **Accommodations and Assistive Technology:** This module covers how reasonable accommodations are determined and the essential role of disability services in this process. Practical examples of accommodations highlight how they facilitate a supportive learning environment. 3. **Accessible Design:** Week 3 digs into the principles of universal design. Here, you'll learn how to create course materials that are not just accessible but also engaging for all students. Best practices for document design are shared to ensure inclusivity in instructional materials. 4. **Application:** The practical application of knowledge is reinforced through case studies, encouraging participants to engage in discussions and thought experiments to deepen their understanding. --- **My Experience:** As a participant in the “Disability Awareness and Support” course, I found it to be incredibly enriching and enlightening. The courses are well-structured and the content is both engaging and pertinent. The materials are presented clearly, making the complex legislation surrounding disabilities more approachable and understandable. One of the standout features for me was the emphasis on real-world application. The case studies required me to think critically about the challenges students with disabilities face and how best to apply the concepts learned. The discussion boards foster a sense of community, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences, making the learning process interactive and valuable. --- **Who Should Take This Course?** This course is highly recommended for: - **Educators** - Teachers at all levels who wish to understand the needs of students with disabilities better. - **Administrative Staff** - Those involved in policy-making or support services in educational institutions. - **Disability Advocates** - Anyone looking to advocate for a more inclusive educational environment. --- **Why You Should Enroll:** 1. **Increase Your Competence:** The course enhances your ability to navigate and implement support mechanisms for students with disabilities. 2. **Foster Inclusion:** Gain practical strategies to create inclusive learning environments that empower all students. 3. **Stay Updated:** Keeping abreast of relevant legislation and assistive technologies ensures you are effectively supporting your students. --- **Conclusion:** The “Disability Awareness and Support” course is a vital resource for anyone involved in higher education. The insights gained from this course not only enrich personal knowledge but also translate into tangible improvements in student support systems. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to those looking to advance their skills in disability awareness and create a more equitable educational experience for all students. Enroll today on Coursera and take the first step towards fostering inclusivity in your educational environment!

Syllabus

Introduction

Students come to our higher education classrooms with a wide variety of knowledge, skills, talents, and abilities. As educators, we want all of our students to be successful and feel supported in an inclusive learning environment. Many of our students have disabilities that they may or may not disclose to faculty and staff. Typically, the process of providing required documentation and identifying appropriate accommodations is a collaborative effort between the student and the disability services staff. Faculty are not a part of this process and may not be aware of the rationale or implications. In this week, we will begin with an introduction to students with disabilities. Week 1 highlights the key United States legislation that relates to higher education students with disabilities and describes the process of obtaining support services.

This week we describe the process used for deciding on reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and the role of Disability Services in making this determination. We identify specific accommodations that students with disabilities might need in order to fully participate in life at the university.

In Weeks 1 and 2, we reviewed disability definitions and legislation, plus the disability services, accommodations, and technologies that you might find on your college campus. In Week 3, we focus on the design and development of your course materials. We use the term “universal design” to emphasize the inclusive design of instruction to make it meaningful and useful for all students. We also look at best practices for documents such as using clear fonts, organizing text with headings, and describing images with alternative text.

Please read the following case studies and respond to the corresponding questions on the discussion boards.