Introduction to Issues in Disability Employment

Curriculum guideline

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Course
DACS 4131
Discontinued
No
Course code
DACS 4131
Descriptive
Introduction to Issues in Disability Employment
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
30
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecure: 4 hours per week

 

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lectures, group work, case studies, self-reflection, and team-based exercises.
Course description
This upper-level undergraduate course examines historical and contemporary constructions of employment services and supports for people with disabilities and individuals who face barriers to employment. It will highlight various theoretical frameworks for interpreting the nature and meaning of employment. Additionally, it will provide an overview of areas of practice within employment supports, including relevant practical tools, strategies, and promising practices.
Course content

  • Review historical and contemporary constructs of disability employment services and support.

  • Explore models of pre-employment and transitional support.

  • Explore models of supported employment.

  • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of employment models and frameworks.

  • Develop a conceptual understanding of the ableist structural conditions within labour markets. 

  • Explore ways of identifying and addressing barriers to employment.

  • Develop an overview of the roles and responsibilities of individuals providing support in the workplace.

  • Explore the values, ethics, and philosophy that underpin employment support services.

  • Consider principles of change, and leadership and how they affect employment supports.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:  

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of historical and contemporary constructs of disability employment services and supports;  

  1. Describe the various theoretical frameworks interpreting the nature and meaning of employment;  

  1. Evaluate employment models in various contexts;  

  1. Analyze the applicability of various tools, strategies, and promising practices within employment support; and  

  1. Describe the values, ethics, and philosophy that underpin employment support services.  

Means of assessment

This course will conform to the Douglas College Evaluation Policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation may include a combination of:  

  • Research and Reflection Papers 

  • Presentations  

  • Literature Reviews  

  • Case Studies and Critiques  

Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation as part of the student’s graded performance. Expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor's course outline/syllabus. 

Textbook materials

A list of required and recommended reading will be provided at the beginning of the semester.  Instructors are committed to prioritizing OER and publicly accessible resources

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

DACS 5131