The Critical Disability Studies minor explores diverse models and narratives of disability; examines debility, or the ways in which social, economic, and political conditions can create vulnerabilities; recenters the rich contributions, cultures, and perspectives of disabled, neurodivergent, and d/Deaf communities; and helps students understand how disability can be a source of knowledge, community, and joy.
What happens if we shift from thinking of disability as a problem to “fix” — to understanding disability as a basis for new and different forms of knowledge, creativity, language, and connection? What counts as a disability? How do race, gender, and socioeconomic class shape how disability is perceived — and treated? How do systemic forces shape who gets access, who is excluded, and who is celebrated? What can we learn from the art, activism, and joy of disabled activists, artists, scholars, and communities?
Through this minor, students are prepared to critically engage with issues of accessibility, advocacy, and inclusivity across various professional, academic, and community settings. The curriculum not only provides theoretical frameworks but also emphasizes practical applications, equipping students with the skills necessary to contribute to the creation of more inclusive environments. This program complements a wide range of majors, including but not limited to education, social work, healthcare, law, public policy, and the humanities, enhancing students’ competencies in addressing diversity and promoting social justice.
Courses examine both personal and collective responses to difference, including the interaction of disability with other forms of oppression such as age, race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, national origin, veteran status, and class.
Southern is proud to be the only public university in Connecticut offering an undergraduate minor in Critical Disability Studies.
Topics Covered
In the Critical Disability Studies minor, students will engage with diverse models and narratives of disability, critically examining how systemic structures and societal attitudes contribute to the valuation of certain bodies and minds over others. The program delves into concepts such as debility — the ways in which social, economic, and political conditions create vulnerabilities — and explores the intersections of disability and other forms of oppression, including ageism, racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, classism, and the marginalization of veterans.
Through courses that center disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent perspectives, students will engage with topics like:
- Disability as a social, political, and cultural identity
- Neurodivergence, mad studies, and mental health justice
- d/Deaf culture and concepts such as Deaf Gain and Deaf Heart
- Disability pride, crip joy, and disability justice
- The intersection of disability with race, gender, class, and sexuality
- Representations of disability in the media and literature — and counter-narratives created by disabled artists and writers
- Technoableism and the pursuit of “perfection” and longevity
- Disability and athletic culture — including Paralympic sports, adaptive athletics, and debates over enhancement, classification, and inclusion
- How technology, education, law, and policy shape access, autonomy, and systemic exclusion
For students who are drawn to advocacy, art, education, health care, public policy, or community work, this minor will deepen understanding of how bodyminds are shaped by the world — and how we can reimagine access, care, and justice.
Program Features
The Critical Disability Studies minor is designed to be as inclusive and interdisciplinary as the field itself. Drawing on the expertise of faculty across more than ten departments — including English, Philosophy, Public Health, Women’s & Gender Studies, History, Social Work, Special Education, and more — the program is open to students from all majors and backgrounds.
Key features include
- Interdisciplinary courses that examine disability from historical, cultural, artistic, political, and social perspectives
- No prerequisites, making the minor accessible to all students regardless of year or major
- Courses that fulfill one or more general education (LEP) requirements, allowing students to explore disability while also making progress toward graduation
- Curriculum grounded in disability justice, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and intersectional approaches to accessibility and advocacy
- A vibrant, student-centered approach, with materials, assignments, and classroom practices designed to reflect and support diverse learning styles and lived experiences
Careers
The Critical Disability Studies minor strengthens students’ preparation for careers that prioritize equity, inclusion, and accessibility. As disability rights and justice movements continue to grow, employers are increasingly seeking professionals who understand how to create accessible environments, advocate for diverse communities, and challenge systemic barriers.
Students in this program gain valuable experience in critical thinking, inclusive design, community engagement, and cross-cultural communication — skills that are in demand across a wide range of fields, including:
- Education: inclusive teaching and pedagogy, curriculum development
- Healthcare: patient advocacy, public health education, rehabilitation services
- Social Work & Counseling: disability services, mental health support, case management
- Law & Public Policy: civil rights, ADA compliance, community-based legal advocacy
- Human Services & Nonprofits: program coordination, outreach, accessibility consulting
- Arts & Media: disability representation, cultural programming, accessible design
- Business: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) leadership, workplace accessibility
Whether students go on to graduate school or directly into the workforce, a foundation in Critical Disability Studies helps them build more ethical, inclusive, and forward-thinking careers.
Other Information
Students will learn to:
- Analyze how social, political, and cultural forces shape definitions of disability
- Explore the contributions of disabled, neurodivergent, and d/Deaf individuals
- Critique institutions like healthcare, education, and law from a disability justice lens
- Understand disability as a vital aspect of diversity and identity
- Examine the intersections of disability with race, gender, class, and sexuality
- Apply values of interdependence, accessibility, and mutual respect in community and professional contexts
All courses are open electives with no prerequisites. Students must complete 18 credits, which may be drawn from any of the approved courses listed below.
ENG 226 – Disability Literature
Explores literary portrayals of disability in various genres, focusing on contemporary texts while also considering historical context. It examines challenges faced by the disabled community, socio-cultural tropes, and gaps in representation. Through analysis and reflection, students will understand disability literature as a force for social change and inclusion.
HIS 208 – History of Disability in America
Introduction to the history of people with disabilities in America. It will include an overview of the major themes, events, individuals, policies, and activities related to disability history, as well as a methodological approach to this field of study. The course is organized chronologically and will trace the ideological and historical shifts related to the social construction of disability, and its vital role in shaping American ideas of race, class, work, sexuality, gender, identity, and civil rights from the early 1600s to the present day
IDS 180 – Introduction to Neurodivergence
Explores neurodivergent culture, challenging neuronormative assumptions, through a range of mediums. By engaging in reflection and analysis, students increase understanding of the neurodivergent experience.
PHI 226 – Cyborg (Dis)abilities
Humans have been modifying our bodies for various cultural, social, practical, and aesthetic reasons for thousands of years, through practices ranging from tattooing and scarification to corsetry, foot binding, hair dyeing, and Botox. Recent technological advances have provided new options ranging from CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), to implantable and wearable technologies that change how we perceive and interact with the world. Are these just chic new choices for modification, or are such technological advances changing what it means to be human and what it means to be “abled”? This course explores the intersections of technology, disability, and identity through the lens of philosophy, with a focus on what it means to be human, what it means to be (dis)abled, the politics of accessibility, and ethical considerations related to the impact of cyborg representations in popular culture and speculative fiction.
REC 307 – Disabilities in Society
Exploration of the range of human experiences of individuals with disabilities and the associated attitudes which shaped historic treatment leading to reforms, advocacy techniques useful in arranging services for people with disabilities. The interrelationships of societal institutions, methods to exert control, the responses of societies to these issues current best practices, and the forecasting of future trends and issues. Emphasis on inclusion, integration, and community membership are explored.
WGS 204 – Representations of Disability
Examines a wide array of representations of disability, both in creative media such as videos, poetry, photography and social media, and in contexts such as parenting, sex, and war. We will ask: what is a disability? Does disability define a person? How is artistic self-expression used as an individual and communal force for social change within and beyond the disability community? Because representations never exist in a vacuum, we will also pay close attention to the ways in which representations of disability are embedded in systems of ableist power, privilege and marginalization, as well as the connections between disability, race, gender, class, and sexuality.
WGS 226 – Disability Pride, Crip Joy
An introductory course focused on disability studies and the intersection of disability pride and crip joy while analyzing what it takes to make a life livable. Investigation of historical, political, cultural and legal actions that have shaped the social policy and experience of those living with dis/abilities using current and relevant writings and media to help understand the topics within this discipline.
CDS 298/398/498 – Special Topics in Critical Disability Studies
Rotating topics, such as Mad Studies, Deaf Studies, Disability and the Criminal Legal System, and Disability Art & Resistance.
More courses are in development and will be added as the program grows. Special Topics courses will allow students to explore emerging issues and engage directly with community voices and movements.
Who can take this minor?
Any undergraduate student at Southern can declare the Critical Disability Studies minor — no prerequisites required. It pairs well with majors in education, public health, psychology, social work, nursing, history, English, philosophy, and more.
Do I need to identify as disabled, d/Deaf, or neurodivergent to take this minor?
Not at all. The program is open to all students. Whether you come to this work through personal experience, professional goals, or a desire to better understand justice and inclusion, you are welcome.
What kind of careers does this prepare me for?
The minor strengthens your ability to work in inclusive education, healthcare, social services, public policy, advocacy, media, and any field that values equity and access. Employers increasingly seek people who understand disability justice and accessibility.
Can I use these courses to fulfill general education requirements?
Yes! Most courses in the minor also count toward one or more general education requirements at Southern — so you can explore disability studies while making progress toward graduation.
Is this a fully online program?
No — the program is hybrid. Some courses may be offered online, but the availability will vary each semester. Students can work with their advisor to build a schedule that fits their needs.
How many credits is the minor?
18 credits total. All courses are open electives with no prerequisites.
Who teaches in the program?
Faculty from over 10 departments contribute to the minor, including experts in disability literature, Deaf studies, mad studies, philosophy of disability, public health, social justice, and more. Many instructors have lived experience of disability and bring that perspective into their teaching.
How do I declare the minor?
You can declare the Critical Disability Studies minor through the Academic Advising Center or speak with your faculty advisor and fill out the Change of Program Form to add the minor. Once you fill out the Change of Program Form, you will be connected with the Critical Disability Studies Steering Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Rachel Furey and Dr. Heidi Lockwood, for advising. Please also feel free to drop by Dr. Furey’s office, or to reach out to either Dr. Furey or Dr. Lockwood if you have questions about the program!
School / College
College of Arts & Sciences
Contact
Dr. Rachel Furey
Dr. Heidi Lockwood