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Disability (Studies), Inclusion and Human Rights
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:02
Abstract
In this course, students learn about key aspects of Disability Studies: what are social causes and origins of disabilities and what is the difference between a disability and an impairment. Differentmodels of disability are presented and discussed in the context of human rights and their goal of participation and inclusion.
Objective
Students will be able to understand the complexity of disability respectively its impact on people with disabilities, their families and society. Furthermore, students will be able to not only understand this impact but also be introduced to ways in which to influence it for the purpose of inclusion. They will therefore explore disability from the perspective of human rights, legislation and policy, and analyze current socio-political issues that are of great importance to people with disabilities in terms of ensuring that their human rights are respected. This is made possible by different in-depth topics (rehabilitation as an instrument of inclusion, disability studies as a critique of science, the importance of self-determination and selfrepresentation for rehabilitation). Finally this Disability Studies course will offer different approaches of emancipatory and participatory research that will qualify students to promote inclusion for people with disabilities.
Content
The course will cover the following topics: - What are and do Disability Studies want? - What is a disability? Different models of disability (medical, social, human rights model). - What is an impairment? What are the different impairments? - What does inclusion mean (versus integration and diversity)? - Justifications for inclusion and diversity - Inclusion concrete: social examples of (non-) inclusion: work, education, leisure, housing.... - Disability and human rights - the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Disability Studies as critique of science - emancipatory and participatory research - hindering and promoting factors for inclusion - hindering and promoting factors for rehabilitation (with a view to inclusion) - Potential and concrete solutions in rehabilitation for the promotion of inclusion - various in-depth topics: (critical diversity literacy, rehabilitation as an ambivalent instrument of inclusion, Ableism, the importance of self-determination and self-representation for rehabilitation)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Disability (Studies), Inclusion and Human Rights |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Inclusion (Students majoring in Rehabilitation and Inclusion: At least 3 CP of the courses in this focus area must be selected.)
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