Students who complete this minor typically seek employment in non-teaching settings, such as health and human services, behavioral clinics, government agencies, speech and language pathology, school support staff, and non-profit organizations; they do not qualify for a teaching certificate. Courses in this minor prepare students to support individuals with disabilities and other exceptionalities across a variety of settings.
Why Consider a Disability and Advocacy Minor?
Many professionals work with persons with exceptionalities and/or disabilities in a variety of venues and do not require the same pedagogical knowledge base that is expected of special education teachers. However, to effectively advocate for and work with individuals with disabilities, it is imperative that professionals have a solid background in a variety of topics central to the provision of supporting individuals with disabilities.
We, in the Department of Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching, believe that professionals should support individuals with disabilities in accessing inclusive community opportunities that are available to persons without disabilities. A minor in Disability and Advocacy provides foundational knowledge to professionals who interface across a variety of settings, including school, home, agencies, and community. Students in this minor receive instruction in behavior management, social justice in disability, supporting individuals with complex needs, and gain real world experience through service learning in the community.