52.025 - Bringing Disability Studies Into the University Curriculum: An Interdisciplinary and Intersectionalities Approach

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This interactive panel session critically analyzes an attempt to infuse disability studies (DS) and person-centered concepts within a broad set of courses across several majors, related to oppression, privilege and advocacy. It details how this curricular initiative was organized, narratives of some of those involved, and preliminary impacts and results. Papers position struggles for full inclusion for people with disabilities within the context of other liberation movements and also consider convergence of scientific/technological and humanist approaches. It is hoped that by exploring the benefits of such a collaborative approach, we can work toward mainstreaming of DS in higher education curriculum. The panel represents faculty leaders, graduate students and consultants on the project.

Sub Unit

• Division B - Curriculum Studies / Division B - Section 5: Historical, Philosophical, and (Inter) Disciplinary Knowledges

Chair

• Beth Blue Swadener, Arizona State University

Papers

• Intersectionalities and Disability: A Transformative Approach - Beth Blue Swadener, Arizona State University; Mary Margarget Fonow, Arizona State University - Tempe

• Disability Studies and Intersectionality: A Social Justice Perspective - Mara Sapon-Shevin, Syracuse University

• Embedding Disability Studies Theory and Research in the Cleavages of College Coursework - Kagendo Mutua, The University of Alabama

• Justice Meets Person-Centered Technology in Interdisciplinary Disability Initiative: A Doctoral Student Perspective - Elizabeth Burroughs-Leavitt, Arizona State University - Tempe

Discussant

• Nirmala Erevelles, The University of Alabama