A Social Justice Approach to Disability in Higher Education Nancy J. Evans

My Personal Experiences in Education

Disability in Higher Education: A Social Justice Approach by Nancy J. Evans, Iowa State University Ellen M. Broido, Bowling Green State University Kirsten R. Brown, University of Wisconsin Autumn K. Wilke, Grinnell College

Introduction—use of language, social justice as applied to disability Foundational Concepts—history, disability models, disability law, dimensions of impairment and disability Population-specific Issues—identity development and aspects of identity, unique student populations, faculty and staff Environmental Issues—campus environment, campus climate, universal design, assistive and learning technology, classroom instructional interventions Serving Students—Disability Resource Offices, student affairs interventions, Transitions Conclusion—Revised social justice approach, ways to implement social justice, future directions

Focus of My Talk Current students—multiple aspects of identity, unique experiences Elements of a social justice approach Using a social justice approach in higher education

Intersectionality of the Multiple Identities of Students with Disabilities Social identities social class race ethnicity gender identity religion nationality sexual orientation Experiences adult student community college student Transfer student ESL student first generation student international student student with children student athlete undocumented student veteran

Characteristics of Multiple Identities Not additive Salience changes across time and context Not stable Fluctuations inform day-to-day experiences

Ableism Ableism = oppression of people with disabilities. Ableism has “create[d] an environment that is often hostile to those whose physical, emotional, cognitive, or sensory abilities fall outside the scope of what is currently defined as socially acceptable” (Rauscher & McClintock, 1997, p. 198). Ableism equates able-bodiedness with normalcy Disability is viewed as abnormal, dependent, and deficient Ableist perspective believes that disability is negative and should be eliminated or rehabilitated.

Core Belief of Social Justice Approach Rather than attempting to “fix” people with disabilities so that they will “fit” into an ableist society, advocates of the social justice model promote addressing the oppressive culture so that all individuals are accepted as they are, diversity of the human experience is accepted, and there is no such thing as “normal.”

Principles of the Social Justice Model of Disability A focus on privilege and oppression as major influences in shaping how disability is viewed and experienced, An emphasis on diversity and intersectionality of the disabled individual’s experiences, roles, and identities, and An intentionally educational mission.

Elements of a Social Justice Approach to Disability (part 1) A focus on the influence of power and privilege in the lives of disabled and non-disabled people. Encouragement of a diversity of approaches that support the success of all individuals. Attention to and acceptance of the diversity of experience within disability communities. Acceptance that all people are interdependent and rejection of independence as a desired outcome.

Elements of a Social Justice Approach to Disability (part 2) Attention to the impact of people’s physical bodies and minds on the experience of disability. Recognition that institutions must attend to staff and faculty as well as students. Advocacy for inclusion and equity in access to and within all higher education settings.

Strategies for Creating a More Socially Just Campus (part 1) Challenge assumptions about normality. Foreground the experiences of people with disabilities. Recognize the multi-faceted nature of disability. Support disabled people who may not need or request accommodations.

Strategies for Creating a More Socially Just Campus (part 2) Center Universal Design Treat disability as a campus-wide responsibility Foster disability culture

Reference Rauscher, L. & McClintock, M. (1997). Ableism curriculum design. In M. Adams, L. A. Bell, & P. Griffin (Eds.), Teaching for diversity and social justice: A sourcebook (pp ). New York, NY: Routledge.

Questions? Contact Information Nancy J. Evans, Ph.D Ross Road Ames, IA