Disability in Developing Countries

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 Hours

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

This subject is an introduction to the issues and paradigms which influence and shape development responses to disability in low-income settings. Using examples of disability-inclusive development practices from around the world, students will gain an understanding of how the rights-based approach and UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be operationalised to develop, plan and implement disability specific and inclusive development interventions.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to

• Demonstrate an understanding of how different theoretical approaches shape the definition and measurement of disability
• Understand the rights-based approach and the importance of participation and leadership of people with disabilities in development activities
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices of disability inclusive development
• Effectively communicate issues related to equity, access, advocacy and prevention
• Apply international and national frameworks to advocate for inclusion
• Demonstrate skills in designing disability-specific and disability-inclusive development activities, demonstrating an understanding of the issues of accessibility, capacity development and sustainability
• Critique major approaches to disability service provision in resource poor settings, including Community Based Rehabilitation and Inclusive Education

One take home examination on the last day of the subject (30%); one 3,000-word written assignment due five weeks after the last teaching day of the subject (60%); group participation (10%)

A set of readings will be available prior to commencement of the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Upon completion of this subject, students will have developed skills in:

• Oral communication
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Finding, evaluating and using relevant information
• Working with others and in teams
• Ability to make connections between theoretical concepts and everyday practice