Program Overview

The University of Toledo in Ohio has the first disability studies bachelor’s degree program of its kind in the country. UT’s program leads the nation in academic scholarship, social discourse and public policy.

Nearly one in five people in the U.S. lives with a disability. UToledo’s disability studies program helps students understand this full spectrum of human diversity. Undergraduates study the barriers those with disabilities face in living fully in their communities and develop solutions. Students collaborate with community agencies to learn valuable workplace skills and design programs that benefit those with disabilities, their loved ones, their communities and all of us.

A disability studies degree benefits anyone who plans to work in or provide goods or services to a community. It is relevant to careers in medicine, business, policy and advocacy, communications, education and more.

Highlights

• Community partnerships. UToledo works closely with The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, one of the country’s leading centers for independent living. Center staff regularly share their expertise with students inside and outside the classroom. Faculty meets regularly with center leaders to make sure UToledo’s curriculum keeps up with current trends.
• Faculty and first-rate scholars. UToledo has the only program with faculty devoted solely to disability studies. Faculty members specialize in communication, history, sociology, gender and women’s studies, and performance studies.
• Internships. All disability studies majors have at least one internship. Students find work in the Toledo area and across the country with:
• The Ability Center of Greater Toledo and other centers for independent living
• Disabled student services offices
• ADA compliance offices
• Recreational programs for people with disabilities
• The Washington Center
• Advocacy and direct service organizations
• A host of other organizations
• Research. Work with expert faculty at a leading research university.
• Study across disciplines. The disability studies degree is centered in the liberal arts and social sciences, but students can choose courses across many other departments.