Academic Courses

HSMP 840. - Disability Policy and Politics

This course introduces students to disability policy and politics. Students will be able to speak and write knowledgeably about disability policy and politics in the U.S. Topics covered include: the rudiments of policy-making and the political process, the way U.S. policy and politics have defined and responded to the needs of disabled people, and the contributions of major disability scholars. Students will develop one problem in disability policy with possible solutions and implications for disabled people. The course meets weekly.
Contact: Sandra Tanenbaum, Ph.D.

• 717.01 - Family Systems: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Families of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities:

This course is designed to introduce students to qualitative and quantitative approaches for resource and problem identification with families of children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. Students learn techniques to foster more effective parenting skills, strategies to follow up on at-risk families, mechanisms to incorporate family systems approaches into intervention programs and alternative family intervention models. Emphasis is placed on developing a strong theoretical foundation in family theory as well as initial application in family settings. Contact: Tom Fish, Ph.D.

• 717.03 - Developmental Disabilities an Interdisciplinary Perspective:

This course is designed to provide students with the latest information about developmental disabilities across the life span from a variety of perspectives including epidemiology, etiology, diagnoses, prevention, treatment, families, education, transition, legislation, advocacy, community integrated supports, systems of care and program administration. Participants are also introduced to pertinent philosophical, ethical and legal issues concerning this special needs population. Information on theory and practice is provided. Learning formats include classroom instruction, observation and participation in interdisciplinary teams and critical analysis of clinical and administrative teams. Contact: Helen Alexander

• LEND Leadership Seminar:

A year long seminar addressing core LEND topics: Introduction to MCH, Disability Policy, Advocacy & Law, Cultural Competency/Disability Studies, Leadership, and Research, Science & Ethics with a Focus on developmental disabilities. Contact: Paula Rabidoux, Ph.D.