New Online Course on Disability Prepares UT Austin Students to Lead Diverse Classrooms and Workplaces

At any given time, approximately 25% of Americans are disabled — a status that can range from needing a wheelchair (either permanently or temporarily) to having a learning disability that needs accommodations at school or work. 

But how are colleges preparing students to teach, manage, care for, and interact with disabled people? How can students better understand this underrepresented group and their persistent marginalization in classrooms, workplaces, and life in the United States?  

That’s the goal of an innovative new online course taught this fall by Stephanie W. Cawthon, PhD, professor in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin.

In the Culture of Disability in Education (EDP 376T/EDP 382G), students will explore the history of ableism, the role of accommodations and access in defining disability and inclusion, shifting perceptions of disability over time, and the recent growth of disability identity, activism, and pride. 

>> UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2021: Culture of Disability was approved for a UT Flag in Cultural Diversity in the U.S. by the Center for Skills and Experience. UT Flags denote courses that provide the enriched education that all UT Austin students will need to become effective leaders in a constantly evolving workplace.

In Culture of Disability, students will learn how to:  

• Understand disability as a culture.

• Think critically about language surrounding disability.

• Consider how technological spaces influence identity development in the disabled community.

• Examine the relationship between education, family, and work.

• Reflect on their own cultural experiences.

“I am excited to create and teach Culture of Disability, especially since there are very few other courses like it,” said Cawthon, who is an expert on translating research into practices that help millions of disabled people succeed at work and life. “It’s just one part of a larger effort to expand diversity to include disability, at UT Austin and beyond.”

A faculty member since 2007, Cawthon gave the University’’s first commencement address in American Sign Language (ASL) in 2020. She serves as the area chair of the Human Development, Culture and Learning Sciences specialization in the Educational Psychology department and has a courtesy appointment in Special Education. 

Culture of Disability has more than 100 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled from colleges throughout the Austin campus, reflecting a deep interdisciplinary interest in its topic. 

A multidisciplinary focus extends to the learning methods for the course which, in addition to readings and captioned videos, will include personal narratives from disabled people, interactive activities, and analysis of disability experiences. Cawthon will teach the course in ASL, using an interpreter for her hearing students.

Culture of Disability has only a few graduate student spots open for Fall 2021. It will again be offered in Fall 2022.