Creation of a Canadian Disability Studies Program: A Convergence of Multiple Pathways

Authors

  • Irene Carter School of Social Work, University of Windsor
  • Donald R. Leslie School of Social Work, University of Windsor
  • G. Brent Angell School of Social Work, University of Windsor
  • Shelagh Towson Department of Psychology, University of Windsor
  • Debra Hernandez Jozefowicz School of Social Work, University of Windsor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v1i3.57

Keywords:

Disability studies, social model of disability, collaboration, community organizations

Abstract

This paper reports on the beginnings of the Disability Studies Program, University of Windsor (2011a), by describing the converging pathways of several events. Influential collaborative processes that occurred between major disability organizations and academics with the courage to promote change proceeded program development in disability studies. Choosing a philosophical approach, based on the social model of disability assured a critical approach to studying disability, enabling the program to address the desire to confront existing oppression and to produce graduates with expertise in many areas relevant to this goal. Most importantly, supportive individuals and organizations from the community made the Disability Studies Program, at the University of Windsor, a reality. The authors summarize the developments that preceded and followed the inauguration of the Disability Studies Program and make suggestions about further improvements.

Author Biographies

Irene Carter, School of Social Work, University of Windsor

Irene Carter teaches in the Disability Studies Program and the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor. Her current research interests include developmental disabilities, autism, social support, group work, and social work and disability.

Donald R. Leslie, School of Social Work, University of Windsor

Donald R. Leslie, Ph.D is a professor and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Program at the School of Social Work, University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. His research interests over the past 30 years, have included disability studies, accommodation and accessibility for people with disabilities, program evaluation, and non-profit governance.

G. Brent Angell, School of Social Work, University of Windsor

G. Brent Angell is Director of and a Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor. His research and scholarship focus is on First Nations health and wellbeing with a particular focus on issues related to brain injury and mental health.

Shelagh Towson, Department of Psychology, University of Windsor

Shelagh Towson teaches in the Disability Studies program and the Department of Psychology at the University of Windsor. Her current research interests include student accessibility to and mobility between postsecondary institutions, negotiating value differences in a culturally pluralist society, and stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.

Debra Hernandez Jozefowicz, School of Social Work, University of Windsor

Debra Hernadez Jozefowicz is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and Coordinator of Disability Studies at the University of Windsor. Her current research interests focus on adolescence and the transition to adulthood for at-risk groups, including those affected by disabilities.

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How to Cite

Carter, I., Leslie, D. R., Angell, G. B., Towson, S., & Jozefowicz, D. H. (2012). Creation of a Canadian Disability Studies Program: A Convergence of Multiple Pathways. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 1(3), 129–150. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v1i3.57

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2012)

Section

Profiles

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