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Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

BSHS - Pre- Physical Therapy, Pre- Occupational Therapy, Pre-Nutrition and Degree Completion Tracks

IDST4900 - Disability Informed Care: Policy and Practices

Course Description

This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to disability as a social, cultural, and political experience. Students will explore how disability is defined and perceived across societies, how identity and stigma influence individual and collective experiences, and how bias can shape institutional responses. The course examines a wide range of assistive technologies that enhance participation and independence, along with the principles of universal design. Key disability-related laws and policies—such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act—are analyzed to understand their impact on access, equity, and inclusion. Through real-world case studies, interactive activities, and critical reflection, students will gain the knowledge and tools to support more inclusive and informed practices in their future professional roles.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 3

Online course

Prerequisites

None

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

Foster critical understanding of disability as a complex and multidimensional concept shaped by social, cultural, psychological, and political forces.
Promote awareness of the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities, including the impact of stigma, identity, and intersectionality.
Introduce tools and technologies that support autonomy, communication, and functional access for people with disabilities.
Develop knowledge of key laws and policies that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and promote access and inclusion.
Encourage reflective and inclusive practice among future professionals by integrating principles of universal design and disability-informed thinking.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Define and compare major models of disability (medical, social, human rights, biopsychosocial).
Describe the psychosocial and cultural dimensions of disability, including how identity, stigma, and bias shape experiences.
Recognize the role of intersectionality in understanding disability across diverse populations.
Identify and evaluate common categories of assistive technology and their applications in supporting independence and participation.
Explain the principles of universal design and their relevance to inclusive environments.
Summarize key disability-related laws and policies (e.g., ADA, Section 504, IDEA) and their implications for access and equity.
Apply course concepts to analyze real-world case studies involving barriers, accommodations, and systemic inequities.
Reflect critically on personal assumptions and professional responsibilities related to disability inclusion.
Evaluate clients for assistive technology needs