Expand+Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application, and will have shown an interest in or be employed in the area of disability. While there are no formal educational requirements, it is expected that proposed candida...

Hide-Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application, and will have shown an interest in or be employed in the area of disability. While there are no formal educational requirements, it is expected that proposed candidates will have attained Leaving Certificate/FETAC Level 5 or an equivalent qualification. Prior experience will be taken into account and short-listed candidates may be required to attend for an interview. Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.

Expand+Overview
Disability Studies is a vibrant area of study, developed over the past 40 years by disabled academics. It is both interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary, informed by scholarship from history, sociology, literature, political science, law,...

Hide-Overview
Disability Studies is a vibrant area of study, developed over the past 40 years by disabled academics. It is both interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary, informed by scholarship from history, sociology, literature, political science, law, policy studies, economics, cultural studies, anthropology, geography, philosophy, theology, gender studies, media studies and the arts.

Disability Studies challenges the way in which disability is understood in our society by developing new research and educational models. These help to remove the physical, legal, political and attitudinal barriers that exclude people from society.

Understanding what Disability Studies is may also be informed by what it is not. It is not: medicine, rehabilitation, special education, physical or occupational therapy or any of the professions oriented toward the cure, prevention or treatment of disabilities.

Course Details
The Certificate/Diploma in Disability Studies will help you to develop your critical awareness of the factors operating in the world of disability, to become aware of the ways in which different issues overlap and to explore ways of working around these. You will be encouraged to look at both your own attitudes, and the attitudes of others towards people with disabilities.

Year 1 takes a mainly theoretical approach to disability, providing you with a foundation in disability awareness, particularly the social model of disability. You will be introduced to the concept of the ‘sociological imagination’ and thinking sociologically. The extent to which Irish law currently caters for the rights of persons with disabilities is also examined. Educational approaches such as segregated education, integration and inclusive education for students with disabilities will help you understand how the relationship between education, the economy and the demands of the labour force can exclude disabled people from participating in the workplace.

Year 2 examines the more practical issues in the lives of people with disabilities, through lectures, mini presentations, group discussions and guest speakers. It explores the concept of disability and social exclusion from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will also be introduced to the discipline of psychology. The final part of the course focuses on the concept of negotiated learning through the development of research and group work skills.

Expand+The modules for year one and year two of the course are as follows:

Year 1 Modules:

◾AD1800: Models of Disability (10 credits)

This module begins with a review of approaches to the definitions and explanations of disability. Working i...

Hide-The modules for year one and year two of the course are as follows:

Year 1 Modules:

◾AD1800: Models of Disability (10 credits)

This module begins with a review of approaches to the definitions and explanations of disability. Working individually and in groups, students will explore how models of disability are influenced by two fundamental philosophies. The first perceives people as dependent and this can result in paternalism, segregation and discrimination. An alternative model views disability as a consequence of environmental, social and attitudinal barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in society. Students will also be introduced to the discipline of sociology and the final section of this module will discuss the differences and similarities between disability studies and medical sociology.

◾AD1801: Body Politics and the Media (5 credits)

This includes an analysis of literature, film/videos, advertisements and charity literature. Using a sociological perspective to defragment 'common sense' perceptions, attitudes towards how disabled people are depicted in the media are examined, with an emphasis on the differences between the social and medical models of disability.
◾AD1802: Education, Work and Disability (10 credits)

This module will first explore the development of 'special' segregated education and the subsequent challenges to this approach arising from educational theory and disability policy. The issue of inclusive education will also be debated. There is a great deal of evidence to show how people with impairments are often excluded or disadvantaged from a whole range of social, education and economic activities. The maintenance of this exclusion has been assisted over a sustained period through lack of coordinated and appropriate responses - making effective progression to full participation an ongoing struggle for most people with disabilities. The challenge is to explain how and why this happens.

◾AD1838: Disability and the Law (5 credits)

This module examines all relevant pieces of Irish legislation which aim to protect the rights of people with disabilities. In important areas which are not yet governed by legislation, decisions of the Irish courts as well as those of other countries such as the United Kingdom will be discussed. Finally, recent legal developments at the international level concerning the rights of people with disabilities will be outlined.

Year 2 Modules:

◾AD2831: Group Research Project (10 credits)

The content of the group work proejct will be limited to topics covered on the Diploma.

◾AD2844: Disability and Social Exclusion (5 credits)

This module includes: the history of social exclusion and disability, the structures and strata of exclusionary environments, ethics, inclusion and the moral equality of all persons; disability, justice and social policy; inclusive policies and practices.

◾AD2861: Politics of Daily Living (10 credits)

Concept of agency; nature of power; policy trends; critical reflection.

◾AP2827: Introduction to Psychology and Disability (5 credits)

To explore the contribution the study of psychology can make to a better understanding of impairment and related issues. Trends in the development of the Irish disability services will be examined with a particular emphasis on early intervention, behaviour supports and adult relationships and sexuality.